Albert Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner launched a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.
Nolan Arenado also went deep for St. Louis, Salvador Perez homered twice and Michael A. Taylor also connected for Kansas City, which has allowed 33 runs in losing its last three games.
Pujols also singled twice in a 3-for-4 performance.
Jordan Hicks (1-0) picked up the win with two innings of hitless relief. St. Louis starter Dakota Hudson permitted three runs and five hits over four innings in his second start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2020.
Giovanny Gallegos got his first save of the season.
Daniel Lynch (0-1) took the loss for the Royals, allowing six runs and nine hits over five innings. He struck out seven and walked one.
Kansas City RHP Zack Greinke (0-0, 1.59 ERA) will face RHP Adam Wainwright (1-0, 0.00) in the finale of the two-game series Wednesday afternoon, 11:20 with the pregame and 12:15 with the first pitch on KIRX.