Albert Pujols blasts No. 701 as Cards edge Pirates

Albert Pujols hit his 701st career homer as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Friday.

Pujols received a commemorative gold bat for his 700th homer in pregame ceremonies, then he hit No. 701 leading off the fourth inning for the Cardinals (91-66). It was his 22nd of the season.

Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (2-1) allowed one run on four hits in six innings. He struck out six