It took just two pitches for Houston to take the lead Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium.
George Springer, the Astros leadoff man, hit the second pitch he saw from Dakota Hudson over the wall in left to give the visitors the early lead. It was the 31st career homer to lead off a game for Springer, who leads the majors this season with seven.
In the home half of the first, Jose Martinez walked with one out and Tyler O'Neil did the same with two outs. But the Cardinals failed to score.
HUDSON STARTS SERIES FINALE
Dakota Hudson gets the start as the Cardinals look to finish strong in a three-game set with the Houston Astros Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium.