Bennett's Big Bat Carrying Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals Gary Bennett follows through on his ninth inning two out RBI single that scored Preston Wilson from second base during their baseball game on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Bennett hit the game-winning single in the 2-1 victory over the Cubs, but also hit his first career grand slam off of Cubs Bob Howry for a 10-6 victory on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006. The game-winning grand slam on Sunday night was only his second career game-winning home run. (AP Photo/Kyle Ericson) (Kyle Ericson - AP)

Molina will have his elbow re-examined Tuesday and could return to the lineup that night in the opener of a three-game series against the Florida Marlins.

But Bennett also is solid defensively. He's been a major upgrade from last year's backup, the quickly forgotten Einar Diaz.

"Enjoy the moment, man," La Russa said. "It means we have a great situation behind the plate. The other guy, Mr. Molina, he was taking good swings, too.

"It just makes it a very good situation for us and it means also that we don't have to do anything about rushing Yaddy back."

Bennett is relishing his time in the limelight, along with a rare buzz of pennant fever. He's never been on a playoff team, and rarely even on a contender.

His big weekend against the Cubs, which began with a three-hit game on Friday night, helped the Cardinals regain some superiority in their division. St. Louis led the NL Central by one percentage point entering the series and the sweep over the Cubs, combined with four losses in five games by the Reds, gave them a three-game lead.

"We're in a battle, and every game from here on counts," Bennett said. "Dramatic, not dramatic, however we get it done.

"That's what it's about, getting to the postseason and hopefully beyond."

After that, perhaps, Bennett could find a more permanent home. His one-year, $800,000 contract will be up after this season.

"I would thoroughly enjoy sitting in one spot for a year or two or three," Bennett said.