Former Astros star Lance Berkman doubled in Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday to tie the game at 4-4 in the eighth inning as the Cardinals rallied again, but they couldn’t push across another run as the Astros scored in the bottom of the tenth to take a 5-4 win in Houston Monday night.
Brian Bogusevic doubled off Octavio Dotel and advanced to third on a bunt. Then Bogusevic scored the winning run on Angel Sanchez’ bunt in front of the plate when Dotel couldn’t flip the ball out of his glove in time.
The Cardinals had opportunities but couldn’t take advantage of 12 hits and nine walks. Houston starter Wandy Rodriquez held the Cards to two runs on eight of those hits. The Astros got to Jaime Garcia four runs in just four innings.
St. Louis has won 15 of 20, while Atlanta has dropped 16 of their last 25 including a loss to Philly Monday. The Braves magic number to clinch is any combination of two wins or Card losses with two to play on the schedule.