Cards Win Pivotal Series in Houston

Edgar Renteria hit two home runs and tied a career-high with 5 RBI, as the Cardinals beat the Astros 11-8 on Sunday, taking two out of three from Houston over the weekend. Jeff Bagwell went deep twice for Houston, Lance Berkman and Craig Biggio also hit home runs as the Astros took an early 6-3 lead. Cards starter Jason Simontacchi struggled, giving up six runs in just four innings, raising his ERA for the season to 14.14. But the Redbirds responded with a 6-run 7th inning, and held on for the win. Miguel Cairo also had a big day for St. Louis, going 2-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Kiko Calero pitched two scoreless innings and picked up his first career major league win. The Cardinals will head north and open up a series in Milwaukee tonight.