The magic number for the Cardinals is now down to four games after topping the Astros 4-2 at Busch Stadium Wednesday. The only blemish to the Cardinals’ pitching staff was a two-run homer from Jeff Kent in the second inning. Matt Morris started the game and lasted seven innings, but didn’t get the decision. With the score tied 2-2, Kiko Calero pitched a perfect eighth inning and was rewarded with two runs in the bottom of the eighth. Jim Edmonds drove in Albert Pujols for the game-winner and Reggie Sanders scored on a wild pitch. Edmonds also hit his 42nd home run of the season. Calero got the win and improved his record to 2-1 on the season. Jason Isringhausen put the Astros down in order in the ninth to chalk up his 42nd save of the season—he leads the N.L. in saves.
