Rookie hurler Jason Simontacchi pitched seven innings as the Cardinals beat the Astros 3-1 last night, improving to 2-0. Simontacchi allowed one run off five hits for the win. Placido Polanco, Fernando Vina, and Mike Matheny drove in runs for the Birds. Jason Isringhausen put the Astros down in order in the 9th to record his 11th save. St. Louis has won 3 in a row and 10 of their last 12.