Pujols hits 17th homer as Cardinals beat Bucs

Tony Womack had four hits in the Pirates' fourth straight loss.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- After a slow start, the St. Louis Cardinals are beating teams in the NL Central.
Albert Pujols hit his major league-leading 17th home run, Tony Womack had four hits and Chris Carpenter struck out a season-high nine as St. Louis won its third straight, 5-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.
St. Louis has won seven of its last 11 games against division rivals, leaving its record against the NL Central at 14-14.
"In this division, no matter who you play, you have to go out and perform every night," Pujols said. "You have to play your best against your own division, and that's what we're doing."
St. Louis (29-23) has won six of seven overall and climbed to a season-high six games over .500. The Cardinals are in the midst of 19 consecutive games against the NL Central.
"We're just trying to accumulate wins," manager Tony La Russa said.
Game-winning run
The last of Womack's four consecutive singles came off reliever Mike Johnston (0-2) in the sixth inning and drove in John Mabry, who doubled home Edgar Renteria to break a 3-3 tie.
Womack went 4-for-5, his 14th career four-hit game and second this season. He also had four hits April 9 at Arizona.
"My job is to get on base and create a little havoc," Womack said. "These guys can play; they don't need my help. I'm just trying to make it a little easier for them. It's kind of like pick your poison. If you just come in and do what you're supposed to do, everything will take care of itself."
Womack was forced out at second base after leading off the game with a single to left field, but Pujols followed with a two-run shot to left that gave him a home run in four of his last five games.
Jason Isringhausen got three straight outs for his 10th save in 13 chances.
Streaks extended
Jason Kendall extended his hitting streak to 19 games for Pittsburgh, which lost its fourth straight game.
Pirates starter Kip Wells, who has won one of his last eight starts, allowed three runs and four hits in five innings. He came out for the sixth and briefly warmed up before leaving with irritation on the tip of his right middle finger.