Adam Wainwright, Tyler O'Neill lift Cardinals over Pirates in Albert Pujols' return

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Albert Pujols held back tears during a lengthy standing ovation. The Cardinals designated hitter put on a big smile instead.

Plenty of reason for those on this opening day in St. Louis.

Adam Wainwright pitched six scoreless innings, Tyler O'Neill hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-high five, and the Cardinals celebrated Pujols' return with a 9-0 season-opening win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.

"I was trying to hold it in a little bit," Pujols said. "These fans really appreciate what I’ve done for this organization and hopefully I can continue to do that and finish strong."

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St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Albert Pujols tips his cap as he steps up to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday, April 7, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Yadier Molina threw out a runner trying to steal second in the first game of his final big league season, and Nolan Arenado and Tommy Edman also homered for the Cardinals, who won the managerial debut of 35-year-old Oliver Marmol. Paul Goldschmidt drew four straight walks, the first player to do that on opening day since Manny Ramírez in 2002.

The Pirates had just six hits and lost budding star Ke'Bryan Hayes to left forearm spasms in the first inning — just hours after news began to spread that Hayes had agreed to a $70 million, eight-year deal. Hayes said the issue was minor and not related to a wrist injury that spoiled his 2021 season.

"It was just a cramp," he said.

Fans stood and cheered Pujols for nearly a full minute prior to his first at-bat, a flyout to left in the first