NL | Albert Pujols drives into record books with 100 RBIs season

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols became the third player in major league history to drive in 100 runs in each of his first eight seasons when he hit an RBI double in the sixth inning of the Cardinals' game against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.

The only other players to accomplish the feat were Al Simmons, who did it his first 11 seasons, and Ted Williams, who did it in his first eight. Pujols also extended his major league-record streak of 30 homers and 100 RBI in a season to start a career.

He has nine RBI in his last five games and was batting .362, in contention with the Braves' Chipper Jones for a second batting title.

Atlanta: Braves rookie Jair Jurrjens (13-9) set a career high with 10 strikeouts, allowing eight hits and four runs in six innings. ... Braves manager Bobby Cox said rookie RHP Charlie Morton "basically" is shut down for the season. Morton has had discomfort in an area beneath his right shoulder blade.

Chicago: 3B Felipe Lopez was not impressed with Cubs lefty Ted Lilly, who worked eight innings Wednesday. "I don't know about anybody else, but to me he's not that good," Lopez said. "I'm not going to give him that much credit."

Colorado: The Rockies won 20 of 28 games last September to make the playoffs. This September the Rockies have lost five straight, their longest skid since eight in a row from June 22-30. ... Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said he is replacing RHP Livan Hernandez with rookie LHP Greg Reynolds in the rotation.

Houston: The Astros have won six straight and their 36-16 record since the All-Star break is the best mark in the majors. ... Hunter Pence extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a single in the fifth inning. ... Houston starters have won 12 of their last 14 decisions.

Milwaukee: RF Gabe Kapler has a torn muscle in his right shoulder and could miss the rest of the season. Kapler will stay in Milwaukee and undergo physical therapy with the team in an effort to determine whether he can return this year. He left Wednesday's game after making a hard throw to the plate in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds. ... RHP Ben Sheets entered Thursday's night's game against Philadelphia with a 20-inning scoreless streak. He allowed five runs and nine hits in six innings. ... Prince Fielder hit his first homer since Aug. 13. ... Milwaukee lost for the eighth time in 11 games.

Philadelphia: Ryan Howard is batting .417 (10-for-24) with 10 RBI during a six-game hitting streak.

Pittsburgh: The Pirates have lost six in a row and 17 of 20.

St. Louis: The Cardinals have juggled their rotation to make up for Kyle Lohse's 5-game suspension, giving RHP Brad Thompson a start today at Pittsburgh and starting RHP Joel Pineiro, a former Mariner, on Sunday. ... Catcher Yadier Molina was out of the lineup Thursday, a day after being kneed in the thigh in a home plate collision.

San Diego: The Padres claimed RHP Scott Patterson off outright waivers from the New York Yankees. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Padres transferred catcher Michael Barrett to the 60-day disabled list.

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