McGwire homers in return to Cardinals' lineup

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — Mark McGwire came back with a home run, as if he had never left.

St. Louis' Mark McGwire, back in the lineup for the first time since April 15, belted his second homer of the season and 556th of his career yesterday. Associated Press

"It's just nice to have good at-bats," McGwire said. "A home run is a home run."

McGwire, who has two homers this season, connected off Paul Rigdon leading off the sixth inning, his 556th career homer and second this season. It put St. Louis ahead 2-0.

"It's always good to see Mark because he's good for the game," Milwaukee's James Mouton said. "After he hit the home run, I was a little less glad to see him."

McGwire, who missed about 1 1/2 months after a setback in his recovery from offseason surgery for patella tendinitis in his right knee, hit second in the order for the first time in his career.

"The only reason to hit him there is to get him some extra at-bats," manager Tony La Russa said. "As soon as we know his timing is right, he's the classic cleanup hitter."

McGwire grounded into a double play in the first inning, and singled and scored in the fourth. He left the game after the sixth.

Matt Morris allowed six hits in six shutout innings for St. Louis and rookie Albert Pujols homered twice.

Jeromy Burnitz of Milwaukee and the Cardinals' La Russa and Bobby Bonilla were ejected after both benches cleared in the first inning.