The Albert Pujols Show returned to St. Louis for the first time this season.

The Cardinals star went 2-for-3, including a three-run home run in the fourth inning to lift St. Louis to a 5-0 victory over Houston on Monday afternoon in the Cardinals’ home opener.

In the first inning, Pujols gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead with an RBI single to left. Then in the third, Pujols blasted a three-run shot over the left-centerfield fence to extend St. Louis’ lead to 4-0.

The Cardinals cushioned their lead with a run in the seventh on Ryan Ludwick’s RBI triple.

St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright earned the victory, tossing eight shutout innings allowing six hits with seven strikeouts.

Houston, meanwhile, is reeling with its seventh straight loss to start the season. Two more losses in St. Louis would match the dreadful 1983 team’s start of 0-9. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez took the loss, lasting only 4 1/3 innings allowing four runs (all earned) on seven hits with two walks and no strikeouts.