ST. LOUIS – Tony La Russa stepped away from defending Albert Pujols’ boorish behavior and the Scott Rolen saga long enough to make sure Scott Spiezio stayed in the lineup last night against the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS at Busch Stadium.

After using Spiezio for Rolen at third base in Game 2 Friday night at Shea Stadium, La Russa used the veteran switch-hitter in left field against right-hander Steve Trachsel.

“He is most comfortable at first and third and we have played him at second,” La Russa said of Spiezio, who went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs in the Cardinals’ 9-6 Game 2 victory at Shea. “He (plays left) like he does everything else: He competes. And if you compete, it’s amazing how well things work out. He has played at least an average left field for us.”

With Ronnie Belliard (0-for-8), David Eckstein (0-for-7), Juan Encarnacion (1-for-8) and Pujols (2-for-7, 0 RBI) struggling, La Russa was looking for Spiezio to provide offense. However, in 28 regular-season games as a left fielder, Spiezio batted .204 (19-for-93) with two homers and seven RBIs. He drew 16 walks and fanned 20 times. Overall he hit .272 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs.

Because Rolen returned to the lineup at third and Spiezio was in left, La Russa went with Preston Wilson in right and didn’t start Chris Duncan or Encarnacion.

“I thought the tough call was Juan,” La Russa said. “I don’t think Juan is swinging the bat as well as he can, and when you have alternatives, you go with the alternatives. So, Scott is going to play left and Preston is going to play right.”

As for the stir caused when Pujols said Tom Glavine wasn’t that good during his Game 1 gem, La Russa continued to support his best hitter.

“It’s very irritating to me because I know Albert is classy, professional, respects the game and respects the people in it,” La Russa said. “Albert doesn’t disrespect Glavine but they are making a lot out of his being upset that he didn’t do better and we didn’t do better.”