Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Matt Holliday hit a three-run homer, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat Houston, 4-2, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.
St. Louis starter Blake Hawksworth (3-5) struggled in the first inning, yielding back-to-back RBI singles to Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence, but wound up pitching into the sixth inning.
The Cardinals head into the All-Star break with a 47-41 record, one game behind the upstart Cincinnati Reds for first place in the National League Central.
Holliday’s blast was one of four hits given up by Houston’s Wandy Rodriguez (6-11), who fanned six through six innings.
The Astros go into the break with a 36-53 mark.