Houston @ St. Louis preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 22, 2012 ) Houston 2, St. Louis 4

The host St. Louis Cardinals continue their wild-card chase and vie for the sweep of the lowly Houston Astros on Thursday afternoon behind Jake Westbrook, who just received an $8.75 million deal for next season that includes a mutual option for 2014. ''I'm super excited to get this done,” said Westbrook, who is in his second full season with St. Louis. ''It gives me peace of mind knowing I'm going to be back here (next) year.''

St. Louis is 5-3 entering the final contest of a nine-game homestand. Leadoff batter Jon Jay, who sparked the go-ahead rally in Wednesday’s 4-2 win, has three straight multi-hit games and is 8-for-18 overall. First baseman Allen Craig is riding an 11-game hitting streak.

Houston has lost six straight and 42 of its last 49. The Astros are 0-3 under interim manager Tony DeFrancesco, having been outscored 19-3 in those losses. However, All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve is 11-for-29 (.379) over his last six games.

TV: 1:45 p.m. ET, FS-H, FS-M

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (1-5, 4.99 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Jake Westbrook (12-9, 3.50 ERA)

The rookie Keuchel has allowed seven earned runs over his last three starts (18 2/3 innings). He did not yield a homer in those outings after giving up six in his previous three starts. Batters are hitting .282 against Keuchel, who has more walks (28) than strikeouts (25).

Westbrook has been a model of consistency, going at least six innings in 13 straight starts. Over his last three starts, he’s allowed four earned runs. The sinkerballer leads the National League in producing ground balls at 73 percent, and has induced a league-high 22 double plays. In six career starts against the Astros, Westbrook is 2-2 with a 4.94 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals RF Carlos Beltran returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing two starts with a hand injury. He went 1-for-3 with a double and an intentional walk.

2. St. Louis C Yadier Molina is 9-for-17 with five RBIs in his last four games.

3. Houston has scored a total of 10 runs in its six-game skid.