With a homer in three of his last four games, Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has secured the top spot on National League leader boards with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs.

Although Pujols managed just four RBIs with his three recent homers, the ribbies have come in bunches all season long. He delivered both a grand slam and a three-run shot in a St. Louis romp over Houston on April 11. He added a second slam in an 8-2 win over the Cubs on April 25. Pujols has recorded multiple RBIs in eight games, nearly a third of his 26 appearances in 2009.

There’s another telling stat about the game’s best hitter: Pujols has more home runs than strikeouts this season. In 118 plate appearances, he has fanned just nine times.

Pujols’ strikeout rate is the seventh-lowest in the majors among players with 100 plate appearances. He’s never struck out 100 times in eight major league campaigns -- a remarkable feat for today’s sluggers -- and he’s averaged just 56 whiffs a year over the last five seasons.

With 10 home runs in 2009, Pujols’ home-run rate of one for every 9.5 at-bats ranks second only to Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena (9.18). The St. Louis star also is generating one RBI in every 3.17 at-bats; only Evan Longoria of the Rays (3.06) can top that.

By the way, the only other major leaguer who has more home runs than strikeouts this season is another Ray, Shawn Riggans. Tampa Bay's backup catcher appeared in one game and homered before going on the disabled list with a sore throwing shoulder early in the season. He managed to avoid striking out in four trips to the plate.