Cards Streak Ends

The Cardinals late falter meant the end of their winning streak. They fell to the Astros 6-3 last night. They lead 3-2 going into the bottom of the 8th, thanks to RBI’s from Tino Martinez, Edgar Renteria and Fernando Vina. But the normally stingy bullpen was loosened. Craig Biggio tied it at three with a homer off Dave Veres. Later Mike Crudale gave up a three run homer to Jose Vizcaino. The Cards got two runners on base in the top of the 9th, but failed to plate a single tally. St. Louis left 13 runners on base. Veres was charged with the loss as the Astros moved to within five and a half games of the Cards.