Astros 4, Cardinals 3
Erik Bedard worked six solid innings and host Houston scored four times in the fourth inning before holding on to win the finale of the brief two-game interleague series.
Bedard (3-3) yielded three runs and seven hits while striking out six and Jose Veras worked around a hit and a walk in the ninth for his 16th save in 19 opportunities. The win was Houston’s second in its last 13 meetings with St. Louis.
Lance Lynn (10-2) allowed one baserunner over the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth, when Jose Altuve and Jason Castro began the rally with back-to-back singles. The Astros scored one run as Lynn walked the next two batters, and J.D. Martinez’s RBI groundout cut their deficit to 3-2.
Former Cardinal Brett Wallace tied the game with an RBI single and Brandon Barnes capped the rally two batters later with a run-scoring base hit to left-center field. Lynn returned to form after the long inning, allowing just one more hit before leaving after 7 2/3 frames.
Yadier Molina gave the Cardinals an early lead with a two-run homer in the first and Allen Craig belted a solo shot in the fourth to make it 3-0. Molina, who started at first base for the first time since June 22, 2008, has six hits - two homers - in 11 career at-bats against Bedard.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Astros improved to 9-4 on Wednesday, the only day of the week on which they have a winning record. … Cardinals 3B David Freese went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. … Houston RF Justin Maxwell missed the game with a mild concussion suffered in Tuesday’s contest and is listed as day-to-day.