Albert Pujols hit a tie-breaking three-run home run as the Cardinals beat the Dodgers 6-2 to reach the National League Championship Series for the second time in three years.

Pujols' fourth-inning homer off Wilson Alvarez snapped a 2- 2 tie at Dodger Stadium and helped the Cardinals win the best-of-five NL Division Series 3-1.

Cardinals starter Jeff Suppan earned the win, allowing only two hits and two earned runs in seven innings.

The Cardinals, who had Major League Baseball's best record during the regular season, advance to play either the Houston Astros or Atlanta Braves for the NL championship.

The Braves forced a decisive fifth game in their first-round playoff series by beating the Astros 6-5 Sunday on J.D. Drew's run-scoring single in the top of the ninth inning at Houston's Minute Maid Park. Game 5 is scheduled for tonight at Turner Field in Atlanta.

The American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is scheduled to begin Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. The best-of-seven NLCS is scheduled to start Wednesday.

In Houston, Drew's RBI single to center field with two outs in the ninth inning against reliever Russ Springer tied the NLDS at two games apiece. Springer struck out two batters to start the inning before hitting Rafael Furcal, who stole second base to get into scoring position.

"This ranks as big a win as we've had the last five years," said closer John Smoltz, who escaped an eighth-inning jam with a fine fielding play, roared after a game-ending double play and became baseball's winningest postseason pitcher with his 14th career victory.

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