HOUSTON, July 6 (UPI) -- Mike Lamb hit a key solo homer Thursday night as the Houston Astros beat St. Louis, 4-2.
Lamb had two runs, two hits and the one RBI; Morgan Ensberg drove in one run on a double play groundout; and Preston Wilson hit a run-scoring single for the Astros (43-43), who cut their deficit to the Cardinals to three games in the National League Central division race.
Houston has won five of its last six games.
In six innings, winner Taylor Buchholz (6-6) was charged with two runs and three hits. He walked one and struck out three.
Brad Lidge recorded his 21st save.
Jim Edmonds hit a two-run homer, and Albert Pujols had one run and one hit for the Cardinals (45-39), who have lost 13 of their last 16 games.
Losing pitcher Sidney Ponson (4-4) gave up three runs and four hits in six-plus innings with four walks and four strikeouts.
