San Diego's Greg Maddux was trying to earn his first victory in 13 starts, but he gave up six runs on eight hits in just four innings and let a 6-3 lead get away.

The Cardinals then broke open a 7-7 tie with a big eighth inning.

Molina singled with the bases loaded off Heath Bell (6-4), driving in Albert Pujols and Troy Glaus. Chris Duncan and Aaron Miles had RBI singles later in the inning.

San Diego took a three-run lead into the bottom of the fourth, but Ryan Ludwick tied it with a three-run blast off Maddux. It was Ludwick's 22nd homer of the year.

Kyle McClellan (2-4), the sixth of seven St. Louis pitchers, got the win by working the eighth inning.