The Marlins scored five runs on four hits in the first inning. Hanley Ramirez chopped a leadoff double down the third-base line in the first inning, and he scored on grounder by Jeremy Hermida that skipped past second baseman Junior Spivey for an error. Mike Jacobs and Dan Uggla each had RBI doubles. Chris Aguila added a run-scoring single. In the second inning, Jacobs' RBI single produced an unearned run. Matt Treanor had an RBI double in a three-run eighth inning.

 

In the sixth inning, Albert Pujols walked with one out, and pinch-runner Hector Luna scored on Scott Rolen's triple. So Taguchi had a double in the second inning.

 

Scott Olsen enhanced his chances of winning a rotation spot by giving up one run in 5 1/3 innings. The left-hander gave up three hits and held the Cardinals scoreless until the sixth inning. Olsen threw 87 pitches. Mark

 

Mulder gave up five runs on four hits in the first inning. The left-hander was tagged for an unearned run in the second. After that, Mulder settled and threw three scoreless innings, logging 82 pitches. Only two of the runs Mulder allowed were earned.

Marlins 16-6-3; Cardinals 13-10-1.