KRISTIE RIEKEN
AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON (AP) - Jose Altuve put the Houston Astros on top with a three-run homer in the second inning and they held on for a 5-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.
The win is the fourth straight for the Astros and the second consecutive loss for the National League Central-leading Cardinals.
The game was tied at 2-2 before Altuve's shot, which a fan in the top row of the Crawford Boxes in left field caught, to give Houston a 5-2 lead.
It was another good night for Altuve, who is among the top batters in the NL with a .360 average this season.
Houston starter Lucas Harrell (2-2) gave up seven hits and four runs in 5 1-3 innings. Closer Brett Myers allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his seventh save after three other relievers combined to pitch 2 2-3 scoreless innings.
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