PITTSBURGH — — Albert Pujols drove in two more runs and the St. Louis Cardinals went on to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-7 in 10 innings Tuesday night.
Pujols hit a two-run single in the third inning to push his career total to 2,218 RBI.
Juan Yepez gave the Cardinals the win when he hit a tiebreaking single with one on in the 10th inning off Chase De Jong (6-3) to score the automatic runner.
The Cardinals threw out the potential tying run at home in the bottom of the 10th when automatic runner Kevin Newman tried to score from second base on Oneil Cruz’s line single off the glove of first baseman Alec Burleson. The ball deflected to second baseman Brendon Donovan, who threw home to catcher Andrew Knizner.
The Pirates challenged the call, but it was upheld on video review.
Chris Stratton (10-4) pitched two scoreless innings for the win in relief.
Dakota Hudson was rocked for seven runs and nine hits in just 2 2/3 innings.
OF Tyler O’Neill (strained right hamstring) has been ruled out for the wild-card series but St. Louis is hopeful he can play in the NLDS round if it advances. … 3B Nolan Arenado (left quadriceps tightness) missed his second straight game but could play Wednesday.
The Cardinals have not decided on a starter for Wednesday, in the season finale this afternoon, 2:10 with the pregame and the first pitch at 3:05 on KIRX.