CINCINNATI, July 16 (UPI) -- Chris Carpenter fired eight innings of one-run ball and Albert Pujols homered Saturday in the St. Louis Cardinals' 4-1 win over Cincinnati.
Carpenter (5-7) logged a win for the fourth time in five starts, holding the Reds to seven hits while surrendering three walks and fanning seven.
The right-hander was aided by three Cardinals double-plays in his 116-pitch performance.
Fernando Salas racked up his 17th save in the ninth for St. Louis, which moved into sole possession of first place in the National League Central with the victory.
The Reds held a 1-0 lead until the fifth when Carpenter led off with a double and John Jay (3-for-4, RBI) reached on a single two outs later. Pujols then blasted a 2-1 pitch into the left field stands off Bronson Arroyo (7-8).
Arroyo lasted 6 2/3 innings for Cincinnati, yielding four runs on eight hits.
Joey Votto drove in the only run for the Reds.
