Astros keep Cards one game from repeat sweep

HOUSTON -- Daryle Ward doubled twice and drove in three runs as the Houston Astros defeated St. Louis 10-5 Wednesday night, ending the Cardinals' four-game winning streak.

Julio Lugo hit a three-run homer and Jose Vizcaino drove in two runs as the Astros prevented St. Louis from sweeping them twice in the last nine days.

"Something has just clicked," Lugo said. "I'm being more patient and taking more pitches. I think I'm just trying to be myself now."

The Astros won despite a short outing from Wade Miller. Sidelined since April 12 because of a pinched nerve in his neck, he was activated from the disabled list to face the Cardinals.

But Miller had to leave after four innings because of stiffness in his upper back, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. The Astros said this injury was not related to his previous problem.

Tim Redding (3-2) relieved Miller in the fifth and pitched two-plus innings for the win.

Garrett Stephenson (1-4) lasted 2 1/3 innings and gave up six runs on six hits and three walks. It was his shortest outing of the season.

A big edge in the third

Vizcaino hit an RBI single in the second, and the Astros broke loose for five runs in the third.

With the bases loaded, Ward hit a grounder that rolled down the third-base line for a three-run double. Vizcaino added an RBI single that chased Stephenson, and reliever Mike Crudale gave up an RBI single to Brad Ausmus.

The Cardinals closed to 6-3 in the fourth after loading the bases. Miller's wild pitch scored one run, another scored on a groundout by Tino Martinez and Eli Marrero had a sacrifice fly.

Pinch-hitter Kerry Robinson led off the Cardinals' seventh with his first home run, making it 7-4.

Lugo hit a three-run homer in the eighth.