MLB: St. Louis 6, Houston 5

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- St. Louis triumphed over Houston 6-5 Tuesday, with Albert Pujols hitting a game-winning two-run double in the bottom of the ninth.

The Cardinals lead the NL Central by five games over Cincinnati and seven games over Houston.

Also for the Cardinals, Preston Wilson homered; and Juan Encarnacion had two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Mike Lamb and Chris Burke each homered for the Astros, who have lost three straight games. Luke Scott scored twice in the loss.

Andy Pettitte started for Houston but lasted only 2 2/3 before his sore left ankle forced him out. Braden Looper (9-1), who pitched two scoreless relief innings, earned the victory.