Albert Pujols snapped a nothing-for-11 dive Sunday with his 12th home run of the season but the big hitters were Chris Duncan and Colby Rasmus, who knocked in five of the eight runs.
Duncan, who had just five hits in 34 at-bats against left-handed pitching last year, is 10-for-33 (.300) against lefthanders this season. He had a run-scoring single off Daniel Ray Herrera after earlier doubling home two runs against Edinson Volquez. Rasmus, who had been 5-for 30, singled to drive in a run in the third inning and doubled home the game-winner in the 10th against Francisco Cordero.
Adam Wainwright, who had struggled with walks -- 20 in 35 1/3 innings -- issued only one on Sunday. But he also allowed two of the five homers given up by the Cardinals. "It's not a question of arm strength or stuff," said Wainwright. "The ball just isn't sinking the way it normally does and I'm throwing fly balls."
But, looking at being swept in a series for the first time, the Cardinals overcame Ryan Franklin's first meltdown (he allowed two homers in the ninth) by breaking a 7-7 tie in the 10th on a walk to 2B Joe Thurston and Rasmus' double to right center.
CARDINALS 8, REDS 7 (10 innings): The Cardinals went through eight pitchers, with RHP Chris Perez, who has battled control problems at time this season, being brought in with the bases loaded and two out in the ninth inning. Perez, throwing only one ball out of four pitches (C Yadier Molina had to reach high to make the save), retired pinch-hitter Paul Janish on a foul out to end the game. St. Louis pitching gave up five homers, but only one of them came with anybody on base.
