Albert Pujols, Justin Turner and Will Smith supplied power to back the Los Angeles Dodgers in another successful bullpen game that resulted in a 7-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Pujols was in the lineup Tuesday night for a second return since leaving the Cardinals for the L.A. Angels in free agency. When Pujols and the Angels visited Busch Stadium in 2019, he was treated to multiple standing ovations along with cheers after hitting a home run.
Pujols, who did not want to be the focal point this week, admittedly said he was anticipating another positive experience being back in St. Louis.
Like two years ago, fans greeted him with a standing ovation in the first inning and applause when Pujols hit a solo home run.
Corey Knebel allowed the Cardinals to tie the game in the bottom of the first, and Evan Phillips allowed a run in the third.
The Dodgers responded in the fourth inning behind an RBI double from Steven Souza Jr. in his first game since getting called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Cody Bellinger then delivered a productive out by driving in Smith on a grounder that gave the Dodgers a lead.
Turner added to that in the fifth inning with a solo home run. The homer was Turner’s first since Aug. 15. Smith hit his solo home run in the sixth inning.
Turner slugged a second homer in the ninth inning, going to straightaway center for a two-run shot that broke the game open. The multi-home run game was Turner’s 12th with the Dodgers and second this season.
Next for Dodgers
Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers would wait to see how their pitching needs unfolded Tuesday night before deciding on a starter — or opener — for the third game of the series. Julio Urias is scheduled to start Thursday on regular rest.
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