Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Chris Johnson belted his first career grand
slam and the Houston Astros pounded the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-2, in the
second portion of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.
Jed Lowrie crushed a two-run homer, Justin Maxwell contributed an RBI double
and starter Bud Norris helped his own cause with a sacrifice fly for the
Astros, who have won five in a row.
Norris (2-1) gave up one unearned run on three hits and four walks while
fanning four over six strong innings. Wesley Wright and Wilton Lopez combined
for a scoreless seventh, David Carpenter gave up a run in the eighth and
Fernando Abad closed it out with a perfect ninth.
Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday had an RBI single apiece for the defending
World Series champs, who have dropped three consecutive contests.
Jaime Garcia (2-2) gave up six runs on four hits and four walks while striking
out two over six innings.
The Sports Network