ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Jake Westbrook threw six innings of three-hit ball in his first career start on three days' rest and Yadier Molina hit a three-run homer in the sixth off a tiring Edinson Volquez in the St. Louis Cardinals' 3-0 victory.

The outing was the longest of the season for Westbrook (2-2), who entered with a 9.82 ERA and was strafed for seven runs in three innings Wednesday against the Nationals. The early hook after 68 pitches perhaps allowed Westbrook to rebound and help the Cardinals take two of three, break a tie with Cincinnati for first place in the NL Central and go to 11-0-1 in home series against the Reds since 2006.

Albert Pujols was removed for precautionary reasons after seven innings with mild tightness in right hamstring.

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