Norris ends losing skid, Astros silence playoff-hopeful Cards

9:47 PM, Sep 26, 2012   |    comments
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Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Bud Norris snapped a lengthy losing streak as he pitched into the eighth inning, and the Houston Astros took a 2-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The loss, combined with wins by the Brewers and Dodgers on Wednesday saw St. Louis' lead for the final wild card spot in the National League fall to 3 1/2 games over both clubs. Los Angeles and Milwaukee also have a game in hand.

Norris (6-13) gave up just two hits and struck out seven in 7 1/3 innings to win for the first time since May 21. He was 0-12 in his previous 18 starts.

Jose Altuve hit a solo home run while Brett Wallace also drove in a run for the Astros, who snapped a three-game slide.

Chris Carpenter (0-1), making just his second start of the season, gave up two runs on four hits over six innings. He suffered a right shoulder injury before the start of the season and had made his first start on Sept. 21 against Chicago.

The Sports Network