Roy Oswalt didn't bring his best game to Minute Maid on Tuesday evening, and it was too much for the Astros to overcome. Sparky worked six innings but also gave up six runs, helping the Cardinals to a 7-3 victory over the Good Guys in both teams' inaugural game of the 2005 campaign.
It didn't take long for Jim Edmonds to dig up some ugly memories for Astros fans, as he connected for a three-run homer to the Crawford Boxes and put the Astros in a hole in the top of the 1st inning. Willy Taveras, making his first MLB start, started a rally in the bottom of the 3rd and eventually came around to score on a single by Craig Biggio.
Edmonds brought another run in for the Jakes in the 6th with a sac fly to make it 4-1, and then with two outs, Reggie Sanders went yard to the 4th row in right field to make it 6-1. Catpiss Walker later teed off Russ Springer for a solo job to extend the lead further to 7-1. Biggio drove in another pair in the 8th to cut the lead to 7-3, and the Astros loaded the bases with two outs against Jason Isringhausen in the 9th. However, Adam Everett grounded out to end the game.
Biggio was 3x4 with 3 RBI. Only two other Astro starters had hits - Taveras went 2x4 and Jason Lane went 1x4. In addition to Springer, Chad Harville and Dan Wheeler each pitched an inning in relief. Wednesday's game is a 4:05pm CDT first pitch, and will feature Andy Pettitte making his first start since August 12 of last year. Jason Marquis will toss for the Cards.
