Cardinals’ Two Home Runs Beat Marlins, 2-1

St. Louis had only two hits, lost its starting pitcher to a stiff back and won anyway.

Albert Pujols ended Josh Beckett’s no-hit bid with a home run in the sixth inning Tuesday night at Miami, and Jim Edmonds homered on the first pitch in the 10th inning to help the Cardinals defeat the Florida Marlins, 2-1.

“We’ve won some unusual games this year, and I’d put this one right up there with them,” Manager Tony La Russa said.

With their sixth victory in a row, the National League Central leaders improved to 19-5 since the All-Star break. They’re 37-17 on the road, best in the major leagues.

The Marlins had seven hits but were shut out after Alex Gonzalez doubled home a run in the second.

Cardinal right-hander Chris Carpenter pitched 2 1/3 innings -- his shortest outing this season -- before departing because of tightness in his lower back.

Four relievers gave up only two hits, and the bullpen retired the last 13 Florida batters.

Florida reliever Guillermo Mota (8-5) gave up Edmonds’ 31st home run, which traveled an estimated 421 feet.

The Marlins’ Paul Lo Duca was ejected in the 10th inning for arguing a called third strike.

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Pittsburgh 8, San Francisco 7 -- Rob Mackowiak hit a run-scoring double against Matt Herges (4-5) with two out in the ninth at Pittsburgh and the Pirates won their third in a row.

Barry Bonds set a major league record by reaching 30 home runs for the 13th consecutive season.

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San Diego 8, Chicago 6 -- Ramon Hernandez had three hits at Chicago, including a three-run homer, and the Padres moved within a game of the Cubs for the lead in the NL wild-card race.

Sammy Sosa hit his 564th homer to move past Reggie Jackson into sole possession of eighth place on the career list.

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Milwaukee 3, Atlanta 2 -- Chris Magruder homered in the 10th inning against Tom Martin (0-2) at Atlanta and the Brewers stopped the Braves’ five-game winning streak.

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New York 7, Houston 3 -- David Wright drove in the go-ahead run with a single and hit his first Shea Stadium homer to help the Mets end a three-game losing streak.

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Montreal 4, Arizona 0 -- Livan Hernandez (9-10) struck out eight in eight innings at Montreal as the Expos won their third in a row.

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Colorado 5, Philadelphia 4 -- Pinch-hitter Vinny Castilla had a two-run double and Luis Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly in the Rockies’ three-run ninth at Philadelphia.