Cardinals handcuffs Astros on homecoming

Louis, Missouri, USA — Jordan Montgomery allowed six hits in seven innings for his second straight win as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Houston Astros 4-2 Tuesday night.

Paul DeJonge visited St. Louis in his return after splitting the series against the Chicago Cubs in London. Nolan Arenado had two hits, including an RBI double.

This was the first meeting between the two teams since the Cardinals lost two of three to the Astros in July 2019.

Martin Maldonado is back in Houston, who are 7-14 in their last 21 games. Farmer Valdez (7-6) allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings.

Houston was up 2-0 before DeJong’s drive to start the third and sacrifice drive in the fourth.

St. Louis led for good with two more runs in the fifth. Arenado hit a double that led to a Paul Goldschmidt touchdown. Arenado advanced to third after a throwing error and scored on a wild pitch.

Valdez hit six and walked three. He was 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA in six starts.

The Astros, Honduras Mauricio Dupont 4-0 with a run scored. Cuban Jose Abreu 4-1. Dominican Yeiner Diaz 4-1, Jeremy Peña 4-1. Puerto Rico’s Martin Maldonado is 2-1 with a run scored and an RBI.

For the Venezuelan Cardinals Wilson Contreras 4-1.