The St. Louis Cardinals couldn't support Chris Carpenter, who received yet another no-decision, but some late doubles from Albert Pujols and Allen Craig and a prototypical Skip Schumaker infield single proved to be just enough offense to outscore the San Francisco Giants 4-3 Tuesday. Beleaguered relief pitcher Ryan Franklin earned his first win of the season, striking out the side in a sterling eighth inning, while Fernando Salas picked up his 10th save of the season after not starting 2011 on the team's 25-man roster.
Carpenter was effective but inefficient in his start, striking out eight while allowing just two runs but leaving after five innings and 103 pitches; the Cardinals will look for Wednesday's starter, Jake Westbrook, to go deep into the his start after being forced to use Jason Motte, Trever Miller, Franklin, Salas, Miguel Batista, and Brian Tallet in the last two games.
Miguel Batista doubled and Cody Ross went 2-4 for the Giants, who fall to 29-25 on the season. Reclamation project Ryan Vogelsong, who's looked excellent in seven starts with the Giants after not playing in the Major Leagues since 2006, allowed one run in five innings for a no-decision. He spent 2007-2009 in Japan, playing for the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes.