The Cardinals have been battling the last couple of weeks and losing close games to teams with playoff implications like the Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Phillies.  I think yesterday was one of those night where the Cardinals let their guard down against a team playing for nothing but pride, and the Houston Astros just let loose in their 18-1 win over the Redbirds.

Infielder Aaron Miles, who pitched the ninth and gave up two runs, says it happens to every team and you just need to forget about it and bounce back the next day.  Starter Braden Looper gave up five runs in 5 2/3 innings, but the Astros exploded agains the bullpen scoring 13 runs in the final three innings off of Andy Cavazos, Kelvin Jimenez, Brian Falkenborg, and Miles.

The Cardinals look for redemption on Friday night.