Albert Pujols clubbed a three-run homer as the Cardinals cut down the Reds 4-1. Chris Carpenter struck out seven over eight innings of one-run ball to improve to 5-and-7. Fernando Salas worked the ninth to earn his 17th save. St. Louis has won three of its last four. Joey Votto singled in Cincinnati's only run in the third inning. Bronson Arroyo allowed all four runs and eight hits over six-and-two-thirds to fall to 7-and-8.
