Pujols' hot hitting carries Cardinals to Friday win

PITTSBURGH -- Albert Pujols swears he doesn't feel more comfortable at PNC Park than any other road venue in baseball.

Maybe, but it doesn't seem that way.

The St. Louis slugger went 4 for 5 -- including his 27th career home run at the park tucked against the Allegheny River -- to lift the Cardinals to a 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

"Let me tell you, look at all ballparks, he does it every place he plays," St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said. "He's just a phenomenal hitter. There's nothing special about here. He just hits everywhere."

Pujols continued to dominate Pittsburgh starter Paul Maholm (6-10), going 2 for 3 to improve to .583 (21 for 36) career against the veteran left-hander. Pujols downplayed his success, saying he doesn't think about the past when he steps into the batter's box.

"It doesn't matter if I have good success against a guy or no. I take every at-bat like it's my last at-bat of my career, believe it or not," Pujols said.

Fortunately for the Cardinals, Pujols isn't going anywhere this season. He has struggled a bit since coming off the disabled list earlier this month but appears to be heating up.

His two-run shot to right-field in the first was his second first-inning homer in as many days. He added a single and two doubles. The Cardinals pounded out 15 hits.

David Freese broke out of an extended slump with two hits, including a two-run homer of his own.

Chris Carpenter (6-7) gave up four runs over eight innings to win his fourth straight decision for the Cardinals. Fernando Salas pitched the ninth inning to collect his 18th save.

Carpenter benefited when the Pirates ran themselves out of rallies in the second and sixth innings.

"It was a battle all night," said Carpenter, who gave up 10 hits, struck out four and walked one. "There's no question I didn't have my best stuff, but I was able to throw pitches when I had to."

Maholm (6-10) had won four straight games at PNC Park, but a sloppy first inning sent him to his first home loss in two months.

Blame Pujols, who looks right at home at PNC Park and has had little trouble having his way with Maholm.

"He's a good hitter, I'm going to be aggressive," Maholm said. "I'm going to come in and hitters are going to get their hits and I'm going to stick with my game plan."