CINCINNATI — Albert Pujols hit two of the St. Louis Cardinals' team-record four homers on opening day Monday and the NL Central champions, with Mark McGwire as their new batting coach, beat the Cincinnati Reds 11-6.

Pujols went 4 for 5 as the NL MVP matched the club record for hits on opening day. Yadier Molina completed the Cardinals' unprecedented power show in a season opener by hitting his first career grand slam.

A capacity crowd paid little notice when McGwire went on the field during pregame introductions. They couldn't ignore Pujols, who homered on his second swing off Aaron Harang (0-1) and later added a two-run shot.

Chris Carpenter (1-0) gave up five hits in six innings, including solo homers by Joey Votto and Scott Rolen.