Fukudome's hits not enough for Cubs

ST. LOUIS — Jeff Samardzija is in good company. When Albert Pujols is locked in, hitting your spot is no guarantee.

Calm down: Red Sox manager Terry Francona, left, attempts to restrain closer Jonathan Papelbon during an argument with an umpire on Saturday in Boston. AP

Pujols said the slider that he hammered for the game-winning home run in the 12th inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday was not a bad pitch by any means. No consolation for the right-hander who served it up.

"Sometimes you look back on things and think, 'Would I do something different?'" Samardzija said. "I thought I made a pretty good pitch.

"He put the barrel on it and it went," he said. "That's Albert Pujols."

Cubs manager Mike Quade said he told Samardzija to be careful, and added that next time he might walk Pujols even with the bases empty and two outs. The Cubs could have walked both Pujols and cleanup hitter Lance Berkman to get to reliever Eduardo Sanchez (2-1), batting fifth after double-switches.

"You look at the pitch, it wasn't a bad pitch," Pujols said. "I don't try to be a hero. I just want to start something."

Samardzija (3-2) said it was all his fault that Pujols ended it.

"I'm the one pitching, I was the one that gave it up," Samardzija said. "He came out, we talked about it. We weren't going to live out in the middle of the plate on Pujols. Then again, when a guy like that is hitting, whatever you think is good, probably has to be a little better."

Pujols had his ninth game-ending homer of his career and first since Aug. 16, 2009, against the Padres as the Cardinals prevailed in 95-degree heat.

"They had the pitcher's spot coming up, that was our salvation," Quade said. "But you figure you can keep him in the ballpark, you take your chances, and we couldn't."

Dodgers 11, Reds 2 (11)

In Cincinnati, Matt Kemp hit a tying grand slam in the eighth inning for his second homer of the game and Jamey Carroll singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th.

Rockies 2, Giants 1

In San Francisco, Troy Tulowitzki had three hits and drove in a run, Jhoulys Chacin pitched six effective innings and Colorado beat the Giants.

Mets 5, Braves 0

In New York, Dillon Gee outpitched Jair Jurrjens to remain unbeaten this season and Jose Reyes hit a bases-loaded triple.

Brewers 3, Marlins 2

In Miami, Prince Fielder hit his 13th homer and Yuniesky Betancourt hit a tiebreaking RBI double in Milwaukee's two-run seventh inning, helping the Brewers beat Florida.

Pirates 6, Phillies 3

In Pittsburgh, Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings and the Pirates sent Philadelphia to its fourth consecutive loss.

D-Backs 2, Nationals 0

In Phoenix, Joe Saunders escaped two early jams to go seven innings in a combined four-hitter, helping Arizona shut out Washington for the second straight game.

Padres 6, Astros 3

In San Diego, Aaron Harang pitched into the seventh inning, Brad Hawpe had a two-run double and the Padres beat Houston to win consecutive home games for the first time this season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Red Sox 9, Athletics 8 (14)

In Boston, J.D. Drew singled in Carl Crawford with two out in the 14th inning, lifting the Red Sox to a win after closer Jonathan Papelbon blew a four-run lead in the ninth.

Hideki Matsui finished 1-for-7 for the A's.

Rangers 4, Indians 0

In Cleveland, Derek Holland tossed a five-hitter for his second career shutout and Texas won for the seventh time in eight games.

Tigers 4, White Sox 2

In Chicago, Miguel Cabrera hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two out in the ninth inning, sending Justin Verlander and the Tigers to the victory.

Rays 3, Mariners 2

In Seattle, Jeremy Hellickson picked up where he left off in May, pitching neatly into the eighth inning.

Ichiro Suzuki was hitless in four at-bats for the Mariners.

Orioles 5, Blue Jays 3

In Baltimore, Mark Reynolds hit a grand slam and Jake Arrieta pitched six effective innings for the Orioles.

Twins 7, Royals 2

In Kansas City, Alexi Casilla matched a career high with four hits and drove in two runs, helping the Twins to their third straight win, equaling a season high for the struggling club.

Yankees 3, Angels 2

In Anaheim, pitcher CC Sabathia came within one out of his second complete game in three starts, Alex Rodriguez came through with a two-run homer and Robinson Cano also went deep for New York.

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