Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Adam Wainwright turned in eight scoreless innings while Albert Pujols collected two hits, including a two-run shot, and drove in three as St. Louis downed Houston, 8-0, in the first of three between the clubs from Minute Maid Park.
Matt Holliday hit a three-run blast for the Cardinals, who had lost three in a row and four of five coming in.
On the heels of a complete-game five-hitter his last time on the hill, Wainwright (13-5) scattered six hits while fanning four and walking three. He moved to 9-1 lifetime against the Astros.
Lance Berkman walked twice and singled for the Astros, who saw their three- game win streak halted.
Bud Norris (2-6) had won his previous four starts against St. Louis, but was dented in defeat for seven hits and five runs over 7 2/3 innings.
St. Louis picked up single runs in the first and second frames on a Pujols RBI double and a run-scoring single from Skip Schumaker.
Wainwright held the fort from there, stranding a runner on third in the Houston third before staving off a first-and-third situation in the fourth. He retired the side in order in the sixth and then shut the door in the seventh after a Hunter Pence base hit to start the frame.
In the eighth, Jason Bourgeois led off with a pinch-hit single and Berkman walked with two outs, but Wainwright ended his outing when Carlos Lee lofted a harmless fly to left.
Holliday's three-run blast in the top of the eighth gave the Cards some breathing room. Colby Rasmus doubled with two outs and Pujols was intentionally walked in front of the homer.
Felipe Lopez stroked an RBI double and Pujols hit his two-run shot in the ninth to cap the rout.
Houston had won the previous four games over St. Louis this season and still leads the series, 4-3...Rasmus left the game in the ninth due to tightness in his right hamstring...The Astros were blanked for the ninth time this year...Norris' ERA was 0.35 against the Cards coming into the contest.