Jeff Bagwell drove in both of the Stros’ runs, Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls set the table for Brad Lidge, and Lidge shut down the Cards in the ninth to lead the Stros to a 2-1 heart-pounding win over the Cardinals on Tuesday night at the Juice Box. The Stros have won five of its last six and tied a franchise record with their 14th straight home win, equaling a mark set in 1980.
The Stros moved within a half-game of the Cubs, who lost to the Reds 8-3 at Wrigley Field and the Giants, who beat the Padres 7-5 in San Diego, for the lead in the Wild Card playoff race.
Carlos Beltran and home plate umpire O’Nora prevented the Cardinals from taking the lead in the fifth when Beltran caught a no out line drive, then threw out Reggie Sanders at the plate for a double play. Home plate umpire O’Nora clearly blew the call, but the Stros are accepting charity from any quarter at this point.
In the most important game of this season, the Rocket takes the hill Wednesday night against the Cards to attempt to pull the Stros even in the Wild Card playoff race. The Juice Box will be one juiced place on Wednesday night.