Albert Pujols hit his 697th home run, moving past Alex Rodriguez into fourth place on the career list and doing it in dramatic fashion with a ninth-inning drive that rallied the St. Louis Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 Sunday.
The NL Central-leading Cardinals trailed 2-1 when Pujols connected for a two-run drive. Pujols had tied Rodriguez with a home run Saturday night.
Chris Stratton (8-4) retired both batters he faced to get the win in relief, Ryan Helsley picked up his 16th save.
Starter Jose Quintana worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out four.
The Cardinals are off Monday before opening a three-game home series with Milwaukee on Tuesday. LHP Jordan Montgomery (8-3, 3.08) will start for St. Louis, 5:50 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:45 on KIRX.
The Brewers beat the Reds 7-6, keeping the Cardinals lead at 8 games.