Astros at Cardinals
The Houston Astros get a chance this week to see what they are missing on a regular basis since their exodus from the National League's Central Division to the AL West. Houston will face a familiar nemesis when it visits the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series. Cards ace Adam Wainwright will look to continue his domination of the Astros, having posted a 12-1 lifetime record against them that includes six consecutive victories.
St. Louis had been in a bit of a tailspin, going 3-8 against four straight AL West opponents before sweeping three games from the Miami Marlins over the weekend. The Astros, who had the worst record in baseball a year ago and hold that distinction again, have lost eight of their last 10 games. They have given up 48 runs in seven July games, with the only strong pitching performance coming from Bud Norris, Tuesday's starter.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), Fox Sports Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Bud Norris (6-7, 3.22 ERA) vs.Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (11-5, 2.36)
Norris halted a five-start winless streak last time out, limiting Tampa Bay to one run on six hits in seven innings. It marked the eighth time in nine starts that Norris has allowed three or fewer runs while pitching at least six innings in each of those outings. He has fared well against the Cardinals over his career, posting an 8-5 record with a 2.74 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 15 starts.
Wainwright was on track for his 12th win in his last outing before the bullpen blew a two-run, ninth-inning lead against the Los Angeles Angels. It was the second time in his last four starts he has surrendered four runs, but Wainwright has also permitted one or zero runs five times in his last nine turns. He has a 1.58 career ERA against the Astros and has held them to a .215 batting average.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cardinals have beaten the Astros six straight times at home.
2. Astros C Jason Castro is 5-for-12 against Wainwright.
3. Cardinals 1B Allen Craig is 7-for-17 with two homers against Norris.