LaRoche's second-inning infield single gave Pittsburgh an early 3-0 advantage, and his two-run second-inning double upped the lead to 5-0 against St. Louis starting and losing pitcher Brad Thompson (5-3).

Nate McLouth hit a fourth inning solo homer and Brandon Moss had two hits and two RBI. Andy LaRoche had three hits and three other Pirates had two hits apiece.

The winning pitcher was reliever T.J. Beam (2-1).

St. Louis got one RBI apiece from Skip Schumaker and Aaron Miles. Albert Pujols had two of the eight hits in the Cardinals' fifth loss in a row.