Houston @ St. Louis preview
Busch Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2012 ) Houston 1, St. Louis 4
The St. Louis Cardinals began a pivotal nine-game stretch against the National League cellar dwellars in convincing fashion. Manager Mike Matheny's club saw Jon Jay drive in a pair as St. Louis won for just the fourth time in 12 contests with a 4-1 triumph over the Houston Astros. The Cardinals, who will face the struggling Chicago Cubs and the Astros again, will continue their three-game set on Wednesday at Busch Stadium.
Jay has been scorching hot at home, going 25-for-51 during an 11-game hitting streak. St. Louis strengthened its hold in the race for the second wild card by taking a 1 1/2-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were rained out Tuesday. Houston bid adieu to the postseason chase a long time ago, but secured its second consecutive 100-loss season. Owner Jim Crane detailed that the club plans to finish its managerial search by the end of next week.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSH (Houston), FSMW (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lucas Harrell (10-9, 3.86 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (15-7, 3.95)
Harrell will vie for his first victory since Aug. 14 when he takes the mound on Wednesday. After recording that win, the 27-year-old was blitzed by St. Louis to the tune of six runs on eight hits in five innings in a 7-0 setback. In his last outing, Harrell yielded five walks and four runs in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision versus Philadelphia on Thursday.
Lynn won his second straight outing after yielding one run on five hits in six innings in a 2-1 triumph over the Dodgers on Thursday. The 25-year-old improved to 2-0 in his career versus the Astros after striking out a career-high 11 over six innings in a 14-2 victory on June 7.
WALK-OFFS
1. Although St. Louis 1B Allen Craig saw his 10-game hitting streak come to an end on Tuesday, he is 3-for-7 in his career versus Harrell.
2. Cardinals RHP Jake Westbrook is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday. He has been sidelined since Sept. 8 with a right oblique injury.
3. Houston OF Justin Maxwell saw his 10-game hitting streak come to an end after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts on Tuesday.