Oberholtzer scuffles against Cardinals

Astros #3 starter Brett Oberholtzer gave up four first inning runs today in a 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The lefty worked five innings, giving up five runs on eight hits a pair of walks. Throwing almost 90 pitches on the day, Brett notched three strikeouts.

The Cardinals Matt Adams belted a 2-run double in the first and a solo homer in the third off Oberholtzer. Meanwhile, St.Louis starter Michael Wacha held the Astros to two runs on only four hits in seven innings of work. Chad Qualls, Matt Adams, and Josh Fields each tossed an inning of scoreless relief for the Astros — as did minor league call-up Ross Seaton.

Jose Altuve was inserted into the cleanup spot in an Astros lineup that struggled to score runs over the past few games. Of course, Altuve responded with a homerun to straight away centerfield off Wacha in the seventh. Dexter Fowler had two hits and scored a run for the Astros.

The Astros get a chance for revenge against their former N.L. Central rivals tomorrow afternoon. Jerome Williams, still looking to secure a spot in the Astros rotation, gets the start. Joe Kelly goes for the Cardinals in a game slated for 1:05 EDT in Kissimmee.

Brett Oberholtzer (Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports)