St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Carlos Beltran's two-run double in the sixth
inning proved to be the difference, as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the
Houston Astros, 5-4, to complete a three-game sweep.
Allen Craig hit a three-run homer for the Cardinals, who lead the Dodgers by 2
1/2 games for the second of the NL's two wild card berths. Los Angeles will
play the Washington Nationals later on Thursday.
Jaime Garcia (5-7) allowed three runs on six hits over six innings to pick up
the win. He struck out five and walked two while improving to 1-5 lifetime
against Houston.
Brandon Laird knocked in two runs for the Astros, who fell to 48-102 on the
season. Justin Maxwell and Brandon Barnes added an RBI apiece.
Bud Norris (5-13) continued to struggle on the mound, giving up five runs on
six hits while striking out seven and walking five over 5 1/3 innings. The
right-hander saw his career-long losing streak reach 12 games.
The Sports Network