ST. LOUIS, April 5 (UPI) -- Brad Ausmus hit a grand slam and a go-ahead solo shot and threw out three potential base-stealers in extra innings Friday night as the Houston Astros edged the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-5, in 12 innings.
Ausmus capped a five-run first inning with his second career grand slam, then watched the Cardinals rally to tie in the fifth before the bullpens took over.
A light-hitting catcher known best for his defense, Ausmus led off the 12th with a solo homer, hitting a 1-1 pitch from Russ Springer (0-1) over the wall in left field.
It was the first time in 1,175 career games Ausmus has hit two home runs. Ausmus, who matched a career high with five RBI, has just 61 homers lifetime.
Ausmus also showed why he has won the last two Gold Glove Awards for catchers in the National League, throwing out Scott Rolen at second in the 10th inning, Eli Marrero at second in the 11th and Fernando Vina at third to end the game.
Ricky Stone (1-0) allowed two hits in a scoreless 11th and picked up the win. Brad Lidge worked around a walk and a hit batsman in the 12th for his first career save, striking out Albert Pujols on a game-ending double play.
Pujols and Jim Edmonds each homered twice for the Cardinals, who had won their first three games of the season.
