Cardinals whip Astros 8-1

The Astros five game winning streak came to an end today with an 8-1 loss to the Cardinals. All good things must come to an end and today’s pitching matchup didn’t favor the Astros. Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright came into the game with a 24 inning scoreless streak against Houston. Wainwright improved his career record against the Astros to 10-1 with seven solid innings of work. J.A. Happ entered the game with a 1-6 career mark against the Cardinals. Happ pitched a 2-hit shutout against the Redbirds in 2010 but has not fared well against them otherwise. Despite the shutout Happ had a 6.44 ERA against St. Louis for his career. Today Happ pitched more like the pitcher we saw early last season. Happ gave up six runs, six hits, four walks and a couple of homers in five innings.

Wainwright continued his dominance of the Astros, similar to the way Bud Norris has owned the Cardinals. The Astros managed seven hits (all singles) against Wainwright, but struck out seven times and hit ground ball after ground ball. The Cards turned two double-plays behind Wainwright but seemed to have several chances to turn more.

Allen Craig and Tyler Greene took Happ deep, providing enough offense for Wainwright. Greene added a second longball in the eighth inning off gopher ball specialist Fernando Abad.

Jordan Schafer‘s streak of reaching base safely also ended at 25 today. On the bright side, Jose Altuve and Carlos Lee had two hits apiece. The Astros host the Marlins tomorrow at 7:05 CDT.  Wandy Rodriguez (3-2, 1.64) takes the mound in search of his fourth straight win.  Another pitcher that has been tough on the Astros over the years, Carlos Zambrano (0-2, 2.53), gets the start for Miami.