Roy Oswalt took a shutout into the ninth inning and Lance Berkman had three hits including his 40th home run of the season in a 5-1 Astros win over the Cardinals.

Oswalt gave up a RBI single to Ronnie Belliard before exiting the game. The right hander got his 13th win of the year allowing the sole run on seven hits in 8.1 innings.

Houston was able to snap a three-game losing streak and avoided a series sweep against the National League Central leaders.

Leadoff batter Willy Taveras had three hits and stole two bases. Luke Scott and Chris Burke each had two hits apiece.