--LHP Tyler Johnson will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday in Los Angeles. Johnson, who felt discomfort while warming up for what would have been his first spring training appearance in early March, will be operated on by Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers' head doctor.

The 26-year-old Johnson, who likely will be out for most, if not all, of the rest of the season, spent two months on the disabled list last season with left biceps tendinitis.

--LHP Mark Mulder, who had been told to rest a mild shoulder strain for a week, worked a pregame bullpen session Tuesday. Pitching coach Dave Duncan said he had Mulder throw nothing but sinkers for his 40-pitch allotment.

"I think we took a step in the right direction," Duncan said. "I don't think we accomplished everything we need to accomplish. We're trying to get the same sinker he had prior to the surgeries. It's not quite there yet, but we're working on it. That's the big key for him. That's what makes him a good pitcher."

--RHP Kyle Lohse gave up only his second homer in 47 1/3 innings when Pittsburgh CF Nate McLouth connected in the fourth inning.

--1B Albert Pujols extended his string of games in which he reached base to 40 by walking in the first inning. He later homered to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.

--The three runs the Cardinals scored in the sixth inning marked the first time they had scored that many in an inning since May 6, when they scored three in an inning at Colorado. In the six losses they have suffered recently, they have scored three runs in five of the games and four in one.

BY THE NUMBERS
292 -- Career saves by RHP Jason Isringhausen before he temporarily, at least, was supplanted as the Cardinals' closer.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I'm pitching like a second grader." -- RHP Jason Isringhausen after blowing his fifth save in 16 opportunities.

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