Late recap, just wanted it on record.
Roy Oswalt pitched shutout ball into the 9th inning and the offense scored early led by Willy Taveras and Lance Berkman with three hits each as the Astros avoided the sweep by the division leading Cardinals, earning a 5-1 victory at the new Busch stadium. The Astros, who totaled 14 hits in the game, return home for a crucial nine game homestand with continued hope of still making a run at the NL wildcard.
Taveras led off the game with a single and a stolen base, Morgan Ensberg singled and Berkman walked to load the bases. Aubrey Huff sliced a fly that curved just foul, missing a grand salami by a few feet, and eventually struck out for the first out. Luke Scott drew a walk for the first run followed by a two-run single by Chris Burke . Eric Bruntlett , subbing for the ailing Adam Everett , singled in another run as the Astros jumped to a 4-0 lead that was all the cushion Oswalt needed. Berkman later hit a solo homer to center, his 40th of the year, for the final tally.
Oswalt finally hit a snag in the 9th, allowing a run before being relieved by Trever Miller, who recorded the 2nd out of the inning, and quasi-closer Dan Wheeler struck out the final batter for his 5th save. Oswalt is now 13-8 on the season with a 3.06 ERA, good for 3rd place in the NL.
Roger Clemens hopes to return from his injury to start the homestand Friday night against the Phillies and righthander Brett Myers. Game time 7:05.