Pineiro, Cardinals beat Astros 3-2

[August 27, 2009]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Joel Pineiro worked eight strong innings to win his seventh straight decision and the St. Louis Cardinals jumped on Roy Oswalt early in a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night.

Pineiro (13-9) allowed two runs on seven hits and Mark DeRosa's two-run double capped a three-run first for the NL Central leaders, 15-3 in their last 18 games. Matt Holliday added an RBI single and Albert Pujols had two hits after entering the game only 5 for 33 against Houston this season.

The Cardinals have won Pineiro's last 10 starts and 11 of the last 12. The right-hander is 7-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 10 outings since July 3, and walked none for the 13th start while striking out five.

[Associated Press; By R.B. FALLSTROM]

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