So Taguchi’s two-out RBI single in the 11th inning won the game for the Cardinals 4-3 over the Astros.
Yadier Molina doubled to get the rally started, Aaron Miles singled, and David Eckstein was hit by a pitch to load the bases and set the stage for Taguchi’s game-winner up the middle.
Houston tied the game at three in the sixth inning before things stalled offensively for both teams.
Jeff Suppan started for the Cardinals and gave up just three runs on eight hits in six innings. Adam Wainright, Jason Isringhausen, and Braden Looper came out of the bullpen to help keep Houston scoreless after six. Looper pitched the 11th to get the win.
The Astros got things started on the scoreboard in the first inning when Orlando Palmeiro scored on a Lance Berkman single.
Palmeiro scored again on a bases loaded groundout by Chris Burke to make it 2-0 in the third.
St. Louis got a run of their own in the third. Albert Pujols drove in his 65th RBI of the year bringing in Eckstein. The Redbirds took the lead in the fifth. Scott Rolen scored Eckstein on a double to left and Pujols scored on a wild pitch to Juan Encarnacion giving the Cardinals 3-2 lead.
Houston tied things up in the sixth when Brad Ausmus scored on an Eric Bruntlett.
The Cardinals are 34-19 and lead the National League Central by five games over the Reds. St. Louis has also won all nine series at Busch this year.