Astros 4, Cards 1

Oswalt was pretty hard-core last night and he really shut down the Cardinals. I'm not sure what the status of Reggie Sanders is, but the loss of Sanders (or a less effective Sanders) would be tough since almost all the offense in the Padres series involved him somehow. Errors not withstanding, the Cardinals middle relief has given up most of the runs they've allowed this post-season. In the first two games against the Atros, starts have given up 4 runs over 12 innings, while the middle relief has given up 4 runs in about four innings. I like the idea of using Marquis in relief and I hope that continues.

The Cardinals now go to Houston for the next three games of the series. The Astors will throw Clemens tomorrow. That could be tough game on the road, but Clemens wasn't too sharp most of September and August.

It is mathematically possible for the Astros to win without having to come back to St. Louis. If that happens, then last night's game was the last game played in Busch Stadium - Or in old Busch Stadium, since the new Stadium will bear the same name. I've never seen a soon-to-be demolished stadium get such a send off like Busch has gotten this year. No one in St. Louis is talking about the new stadium, they only talk about the passing of the old one, which is somewhat bizarre. Busch Stadium was no architectural gem, but I think most people agree it was a great place to catch a game. I think they could have gotten 5 more years out of it. Too late - it will be completely demolished within a week of the last Cards playoff game.