MLB: St. Louis 8, Cincinnati 5

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Rick Ankiel's amazing comeback Friday night featured his first MLB career grand slam, boosting the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8-5 win over Cincinnati.

Ankiel, whose career as a pitcher ended because of multiple injuries, has turned into a power hitter. He has hit five home runs with 14 RBI in 17 games since joining the Cardinals.

He helped push the Cardinals to within two games of division-leading Chicago in the National League Central.

Yadier Molina added a two-run homer as Tony La Russa became the winningest manager in club history. He won his 1,042nd game, one more than Red Schoendienst.

Randy Flores (2-0) earned the win with two innings of scoreless relief.

Gary Majewski (0-2) took the loss.

Ankiel's homer came in the sixth and put the Cardinals in front, 7-4.