"Chris Carpenter's nine-inning stand following a nervous opening made the Cardinals' early offense stand up for a 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night at Camden Yards.

Carpenter slipped a bases-loaded, none-out jam in the fifth inning to preserve a 5-1 lead, then threw three more efficient innings before coming out to work his 31st career complete game.

Carpenter (3-7), who had thrown a total 250 pitches in his previous two starts, embraced catcher Yadier Molina after striking out Blake Davis with his 131st offering.

Center fielder Colby Rasmus again served as offensive catalyst by launching a two-run home run to right field in the second inning. Three consecutive hits capped by second baseman Skip Schumaker's RBI single gave the Cardinals a 4-0 lead that was only briefly challenged.

Shortstop Nick Punto and Schumaker finished with two hits apiece.

The Orioles managed their only run when shortstop J.J. Hardy reached on a two-out single that ricocheted off Carpenter's leg then scored on right fielder Nick Markakis' double. The Cardinals held the Orioles hitless with runners in scoring position for a second straight night.

Carpenter's outing gave him wins in consecutive starts after he managed only one in his first 15.

The Cardinals secured their first back-to-back road wins since May 23-24 in San Diego."