MLB: Minnesota 6, St. Louis 2

ST. LOUIS, June 28 (UPI) -- Justin Morneau belted a key three-run homer Sunday, propelling the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 inter-league victory against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The homer, Morneau's 17th this season, staked Minnesota to a quick 3-0 lead with one out in the top of the first inning.

Brendan Harris drove in two runs with a sacrifice fly in the seventh and a single in the ninth. Jason Kubel had three hits and one RBI, while Joe Mauer added a run and two hits for the Twins, who have split their last six games overall.

Winner Francisco Liriano (4-8) gave up two earned runs and just four hits -- one by red-hot St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols -- in seven innings with two walks and six strikeouts.

Jason LaRue had two hits and one RBI and Rick Ankiel drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have lost five of seven.

The losing pitcher was starter Joel Pineiro (6-9), who allowed five runs on eight hits with no walks and two strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.