Houston Astros

The defending World Series champs are on their way to a repeat after clinching the NL East division title last night when they beat Houston 10-3.

After the Cubs fell to Milwaukee (2-3) last night the Cardinals would have secured a playoff berth if they won their game. Unfortunately the Astros were determined to end their 9-game losing streak and shut down the Cards 3-0 with Bud Norris shut St. Louis down again by thrwoing six scoreless frames.

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HOUSTON -- Astros manager Cecil Cooper changed the batting order Wednesday, but he apparently forgot to tell the Brewers. The move ended up not costing Houston, as it went on to take the lead in the first inning of a game it won, 6-4.Cooper made two switches to his lineup prior to the game -- most significantly, flip-flopping Kazuo Matsui and Michael Bourn, with Bourn leading off and Matsui in the two-hole.Bourn was sent back to the plate to hit again. Matsui, per rule 6:07 of the Major League... Baseball rule book, was called out. Catcher Jason Kendall was credited with the putout.more>>

Ivan Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run after a wild pitch on an intentional walk put Pence on third. Ronald Belisario's (0-1) throw to Russell Martin bounced off the edge of the catcher's glove, and Pence advanced a base as Martin rolled in the dirt trying to chase it down.Said Belisario: "I [felt] pretty well. I had control of my pitches but they still got me. That happens."Chris Sampson (1-0) gave up a run in two innings for the win.

Orlando Hudson hit a hard grounder into Valverde's heel and the closer limped around and took some warmup pitches before finishing the game."I'll take a win almost at any cost -- almost," manager Cecil Cooper said. "I think he'll be OK. That's a good thing."Ortiz (1-0) gave up three runs in the first inning, then stifled the Dodgers for the next four. Clayton Kershaw (0-1) got the loss.

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The father of Astros' announcer Jim Deshaies shows everyone how to appropriately ask the young woman interviewing you for a kiss.