Albert Pujols' return to the St. Louis lineup did not have the desired effect that manager Tony LaRussa was hoping for. After three inning, the Cardinals are down 5-0 to Cincinnati thanks to a first inning offensive explosion by the top of the Reds' lineup.
Outfielder Chris Heisey kicked things off strong for Cincinnati, blasting a rare lead-off inside the park homerun to deep left field off St. Louis' Jake Westbrook. Edgar Renteria and Joey Votto would follow that up with a single and a walk to put runners on first and second with no one out. Brandon Phillips then came up and smashed a two-run triple to right field to blow open the game. Jay Bruce finished off the run with a homer to deep right field.
Albert Pujols is currently 0-1 in the game. In his first at-bat in 17 days, he lined out to right to end the bottom of the first inning.
Bronson Arroyo has pitched three scoreless innings for the Reds.
For more on Albert Pujol's return head over to SB Nation's Cardinals blog Viva El Birdos. To read more about the Cincinnati Reds check out the Red Reporter.