Ozuna’s adjustments working
ST. LOUIS — Marcell Ozuna’s right shoulder is healthy, and he can focus on hitting instead of adjusting to his new team
“I’m just working harder every day, especially if healthy,” Ozuna said after hitting a three-run homer and driving in five runs to lead the Cardinals over the Reds 6-3 on Saturday. “I’m just going to work and work and work every day, and then have success at the plate.”
Ozuna’s 10th home run of the season came after the Reds took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third, and put the Cardinals ahead in the bottom half.
Ozuna became the third Cardinals player to hit 10 homers by the end of April after Mark McGwire, who hit 11 in 1998, and Albert Pujols, who had 14 in 2006. Ozuna, fighting his sore shoulder, didn’t hit his 10th last season until June 16.
“I hit the ball harder every time,” Ozuna said. “When you hit the ball harder, everything’s going to happen.”
Ozuna gave the Cardinals a 5-2 lead in the fifth when he hit a two-out double off the wall in right.
Dakota Hudson (2-1) allowed three runs and seven hits in 52⁄3 innings, pitching into the sixth for the first time as a major league starter.
“We made adjustments in my last bullpen — moved over on the rubber a little bit,” Hudson said. “I felt like my fastball execution was a little better, and that’s a result of me getting a little bit better sink on it.”
Yadier Molina extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a single in the fourth. Teammate Paul Goldschmidt extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a single in the third.