NLCS: Cardinals, Red Hot Pujols Win Game 3

A four-run first inning for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Milwaukee Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo was enough to give the wildcard red birds a 2-1 lead in the NL championship series Wednesday night.

Chris Carpenter matched a franchise record set by Bob Gibson with a most un-Gibson-like outing.

Far from his best, the Cardinals ace lasted just five innings in a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night that gave St. Louis a 2-1 edge in the NL championship series.

The bullpen that got no work in Carpenter's division-series clinching win over Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies came up aces with four relievers retiring the last 12 Milwaukee batters in order.