The most significant hit of the Cardinals' 7-3 loss to the Giants on Monday was a grand slam hit by Giants' center fielder Andres Torres off right-hander Kyle McClellan in a five-run fourth inning.

But it was what happened before that at-bat, when McClellan walked opposing pitcher Madison Bumgarner, that bothered McClellan (6-2) the most.

"Walking the pitcher there killed me," McClellan said. "I get him out, that changes everything. Just all in all, not a good game."

McClellan was knocked out after four innings, his earliest departure this season, his first as a starter. He was behind in the count to eight of the first 10 hitters and both of his walks came in the Giants' big fourth that made it 7-2.

Manager Tony La Russa said McClellan injured his left hip in the first inning. "He was out of whack," La Russa said. "He threw a lot of pitches nowhere near the glove. He just wasn't sharp."

McClellan, at first, said he had not been injured, but later said he had landed awkwardly. "It raised some concern," McClellan said. "There's nothing wrong."

The Cardinals' bullpen quartet of right-hander Miguel Batista, left-hander Brian Tallet, right-hander Jason Motte and left-hander Trever Miller held the Giants to one hit and no runs over the last five innings.

But the Cardinals scored only once after the third on first baseman Albert Pujols' first home run in Busch Stadium since April 23.

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