Larry Walker’s solo home run in the second inning was the only run the Cardinals could manage in a 2-1 loss to the Astros on Tuesday in Houston. Jeff Bagwell drove in a run with a single in the third and another with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. The loss was the Cardinals’ second in a row and it got the Astros to within a half game of the National League Wild Card spot. The Giants and Cubs are currently tied for the Wild Card…. Cardinal pitcher Chris Carpenter will not be available for St. Louis’ opening round playoff series. He hasn’t pitched since September 19 after aggravating a bicep.
