Wainwright wins 17th for Cardinals

Ryan Ludwick homered twice, Adam Wainwright became the majors’ first 17-game winner, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 14-7, on Friday night for their 10th win in 12 games.

Pittsburgh lost its eighth in a row despite a six-run fifth that gave it the lead after it trailed 5-0. After the Pirates went ahead, though, Albert Pujols gave St. Louis the lead again the following half-inning with a three-run homer, his major league-leading 43rd.

Ludwick was five for five.