MILWAUKEE, United States (AFP) - Albert Pujols' RBI single highlighted a three-run ninth inning as the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated their National League Central division title with a 7-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
St. Louis were assured of the division title earlier in the day when the Chicago Cubs split a doubleheader with the Florida Marlins.
With the score knotted at 4-4, Tony Womack led off the ninth with a single against Brewers closer Dan Kolb. After So Taguchi wakled, Pujols plated Womack with a single to center to put the Cardinals ahead.
Roger Cedeno and Edgar Renteria added run-scoring singles in the inning.
Scott Podsednik led off the seventh with a ground-rule double and scored two batters later on a Bill Hall groundout to give the Brewers a 4-3 lead, but Milwaukee let St. Louis right back in it in the eighth.
Reliever Luis Vizcaino threw two straight wild pitches, allowing Mike Matheny to advance from first to third. Matheny scored one pitch later on catcher Chad Moeller's passed ball.
St. Louis starter Matt Morris struck out seven and allowed five hits and two runs - one earned - in five innings.
The bullpen kept the Cardinals close from there, with Julian Tavarez getting the final out in the eighth and Jason Isringhausen pitching a perfect ninth for his 43rd save in 50 opportunities.