Daily Rant: Cardinals overcome early Astros offense to pick up series win

The Cardinals hosted the Astros on Tuesday night and had the daunting task of facing Cardinal killer Bud Norris. He was not the titan he usually is against the Cardinals and really hasn’t fared well in his last few starts against St Louis. The title could be fading from the usually lowly Norris.

Box Score

The Positives

• Jon Jay picked up two singles, a run, an RBI, and his 14th stolen base. Jay has really emerged as an elite center fielder this season.
• Matt Holliday hit a single and his 29th double of the season. He scored one of the Cardinals four runs, but was caught stealing on an attempt.
• Carlos Beltran hit his 23rd double.
• Allen Craig hit a single and scored a run.
• Yadier Molina hit a single and drove in his 59th run.
• Daniel Descalso hit his eighth double and drove in his 17th RBI.
• Rafael Furcal hit a single and scored a run.
• Kyle Lohse hurled seven innings of three hit baseball. He gave up two solo home runs, including one to former top Cardinal prospect Brett Wallace.
• Mitchell Boggs and Jason Motte each pitched scoreless innings. Motte picked up his 29th save.

Justin’s Jeers

• Matt Carpenter got the start at third base and went hitless.

Three Stars

3) Matt Holliday – Holliday scored a run in a two hit performance.

2) Kyle Lohse – Lohse pitched a masterful game with only two mistakes keeping him from a shutout performance.

1) Jon Jay – Jay has been on a tear since returning from the DL.

Standings