Cardinals 2, Marlins 1
Chris Carpenter outdueled Ricky Nolasco and Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the host Florida Marlins 2-1 on Saturday.
Daniel Descalso added three hits and Rafael Furcal scored for the Cardinals, who remain three games behind the streaking Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. St. Louis will attempt to sweep the four-game series Sunday.
Pujols gave Carpenter all the support he would need in the first when he came up with Furcal on and hit his 26th homer. Nolasco left a 1-2 curveball hanging over the middle of the plate and Pujols blasted it high over the wall in left-center field.
Carpenter (7-8) allowed one run and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings. The veteran righthander surrendered a run in the fourth when he loaded the bases on two walks and a single, and hit Dewayne Wise with a pitch.
Nolasco (8-8) scattered 10 hits over seven innings. The burly righthander has allowed 22 hits but only three runs in his last two starts.
Fernando Salas worked the ninth for his 21st save.