Matt Carpenter hit his second pinch-hit three-run home run in as many days, leading the St. Louis Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Friday night.
Carpenter connected off Duane Underwood Jr. in the sixth inning to put the Cardinals ahead 6-1.
Tyler O’Neill had three hits, including a leadoff home run in the fourth inning.
Nolan Arenado hit run-scoring bloop doubles in the first and third innings.
John Gant the winner, Gant gave up one run, three hits and five walks in five innings.
Cardinals center fielder Harrison Bader made his season debut after beginning the year on the injured list with a right forearm strain. He was 1 for 4 with two strikeouts.
Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright is expected to be activated from the COVID-19 IL Monday and start against the New York Mets. Wainwright has been vaccinated, but he came in close contact with a family member who has tested positive for the virus.
First place Brewers lead second place St. Louis by two games, the Reds and Pirates are 3 1/2 out, last place Cubs are 5 games out.
Jack Flaherty goes for St. Louis today, 4:40 with the pregame and the first pitch at 5:35 on KIRX.