ATLANTA, July 30 (UPI) -- Albert Pujols doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning Wednesday and St. Louis pulled away late to defeat Atlanta 7-2.
Joe Mather hit a two-run homer for the Cardinals in the eighth, sending them to their third straight win. The fading Braves, who signaled an admission that their season was over when they traded away slugger Mark Teixeira, have lost five in a row.
Former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter made his first start for St. Louis in more than a year and left the game after giving up one run over four innings.
Carpenter, who won three post-season games during the Cardinals' World Series run in 2006, underwent ligament replacement surgery last year.
Brad Thompson (4-2) relieved Carpenter and got the win by giving up a run over 2 2/3 innings.
With St. Louis holding a 5-2 lead and the bases loaded in the eighth, Ron Villone came on to work his way out of the jam. He then pitched the ninth for his first save.
Jair Jurrjens (10-6) absorbed the loss, giving up three runs on seven hits in seven innings.
