ST. LOUIS(AP) -- A 30-minute talk with two coaches and some
intense film study helped Todd Wellemeyer rebound impressively
from his worst start of the season.

On Saturday, the right-hander lasted just 2 1-3 innings, giving
up three runs against Minnesota.

The half-hour conversation with pitching coach Dave Duncan and
bullpen coach Marty Mason and looking at some tapes worked well
as Wellemeyer allowed two runs and seven hits in a season-high 7
1-3 innings in the St. Louis Cardinals' 5-2 victory over the San
Francisco Giants on Thursday night.

Wellemeyer carried a five-hit shutout into the seventh before a
two-run homer by Aaron Rowand ended his night.

"We narrowed it down to just the most simple thing for all
pitchers - get a balance point," Wellemeyer said. "When you
figure (the problem) out, it feels good. Now it's just a matter
of continuing it."

Wellemeyer, who improved to 7-7, picked up his first victory
since June 17. He went 1-3 with a 6.89 ERA in June after
starting the season 3-2.

"It's the best I've felt all year," he said. "It's a lot easier
when you're on balance. That's the key."

Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker and Brendan Ryan took care of the
offense for St. Louis with two hits each. They combined to help
the Cardinals push across three runs in the first inning against
Barry Zito (4-8), who gave up five earned runs in 4 1-3 innings.

The Giants finished a 10-game trip at 5-5.

Ludwick had a bases-loaded single off the glove of shortstop
Juan Uribe in the first, Yadier Molina walked with the bases
loaded and Chris Duncan's RBI ground out capped St. Louis' first
inning.

Zito settled down, retiring 12 hitters after the first five
hitters of the game reached safely.

"With the bases loaded and no out, the momentum is in their
favor," Zito said. "It's not the way you want to start the
game."

The Cardinals chased Zito with two runs in the fifth on a double
by Ryan, a run-scoring ground out by Schumaker and Ludwick's
single.

Ryan Franklin worked a perfect ninth for his 19th save in 20
opportunities.

But it was the bounce-back effort by Wellemeyer that stole the
show.

"He kept attacking the zone with everything," St. Louis manager
Tony La Russa said. "He was charging after the hitters with
quality pitches."

Ludwick, who was in the middle of both of St. Louis' run-scoring
innings, was happy to see Wellemeyer gain a much-needed shot of
confidence.

"That was the best part of the night, seeing him do what he
did," Ludwick said.

Added Ryan, "He needed that and we needed that."

Randy Winn and Bengie Molina both had two hits for the Giants.

NOTES: St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse went 4 2-3 innings in a
rehab start at Class A Springfield on Thursday. He gave up three
hits and two runs, struck out three and walked four. Lohse was
placed on the 15-day DL June 5 with a right forearm flexor
strain. ... Zito has the lowest run support of any starter in
the majors. The Giants have scored 29 runs in his 93 1-3
innings. ... San Francisco is 27-20 outside the NL West and
15-16 in the division. ... San Francisco is 16-10 in the final
game of a series this season. ... The Giants are 13-11 in new
Busch Stadium. ... The Cardinals' starters have recorded 33
wins, tying Colorado for the NL lead. ... The Cardinals reported
that 3B Troy Glaus, who is in Jupiter, Fla., is swinging
pain-free but is still reporting pain throwing. Glaus had
shoulder surgery in January.