ST.LOUIS - The first game of this series between the Tigers and the Cardinals was decided in the first inning of play. Both teams were able to load up the bases in the first, but only one team was able to capitalize on their way to the victory.

The Tigers had a leadoff triple to start the game by Don Kelly, but he was stranded at third as the Tigers left the bases loaded in the inning. St. Louis was able to score four runs in the inning on their way to a blowout 11-2 victory at Busch Stadium.

The early inning lead was enough for starter Adam Wainwright (7-4) as he pitched seven strong innings giving up only one run on six hits with five strikeouts in the win. The Cardinals offense scored four runs again in the fifth inning to break the game wide open. One run on a bases loaded walk and three more on a bases clearing double by shortstop Brendan Ryan.

In the sixth inning Albert Pujols hit a monster home run estimated at 446 feet off reliever Ryan Perry to left field. The next batter Chris Duncan hit a homer of his own off Perry giving the Cardinals back-to-back home runs for the first time all season.

Justin Verlander (7-3) had his first loss since April 17th going only four innings giving up five runs on eight hits in the loss. The four innings is Verlander’s shortest outing since opening day against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Brandon Inge hit a home run in the top of the sixth inning to make it 9-1 but the Cardinals responded with two more runs in the bottom of the inning to push the lead to 11-1. Miguel Cabrera hit a home run of his own in the top of the eighth to make it 11-2 and the Tigers would get no closer. Tomorrow Edwin Jackson faces Todd Wellemeyer in the second game of this three game series.