Cards Lose Series Opener in Houston

The Cardinals left their bats and gloves back in Washington.

Collecting just four hits and committing two costly errors, St. Louis dropped the first of a three-game series to Houston by a score of 6-1.

Starting pitcher Braden Looper (7-5) did not pitch poorly, but he did receive the loss thanks to a lack of run support and a couple of miscues behind him.

Already trailing 2-0 in the fourth, Cesar Izturis’ throwing error led to a pair of Astro runs when the shortstop’s acrobatic throw to second ended up in right field.  On the next play, catcher Yadier Molina dropped a throw from Albert Pujols that would have nailed Carlos Lee at the plate.

Houston starter Brian Moehler (3-2) shut out the Cards in his seven innings of work.  Jose Valverde struck out the side in the ninth.