The Astros Sweep the Cardinals

Sports Betting News - July 23rd, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

The Houston Astros entered this weeks three game series against the NL central division leading St. Louis Cardinals just 4 games behind. After sweeping the Cardinals at home in Houston, the Astros are just 1 game behind the Cardinals and seem to have all the momentum in the world behind them. The Astros refused to trade ace pitcher Roy Oswalt this year, hoping they could some how make a run for the division lead and find a spot in the post season. Well, their hopes seem to be comming true, the Astros have won 5 out of the last 7 games after the all-star break and now have a thirst in their mouths for the lead.

Roy Oswalt admitted that the Astros are a second half team, ESPN reports Oswalt said after the game "We’ve been doing this since I got here,” he said. “The first half is played to keep close, the second half is to gain ground and maybe catch up and go ahead by the end.” That's just what the Astros are doing again in 2009. Even manager Cecil Cooper was excited about the victory and three game sweep stating "This is the closest we’ve been to the top since I’ve been here,” "It feels good.” I bet it does Cecil, with 67 games left in the regular season the one game lead the Cardinals have might soon disappear.

The Astros stay at home for their next series against the New York Mets but, have to face all-star pitcher Johan Santana in the first game Friday night. If the Astros can take two out of three or even sweep the injured Mets this weekend their chances at taking the division lead are yet even closer. After the Mets series the Astros leave Houston for a 4 game series against the Chicago Cubs the team they are currently tied with for second place in the NL central. After that 4 game set against the Cubs the Astros get right back on the road to face the Cardinals in St. Louis for a rematch.

These next 10 games might be the most important games all season for the Houston baseball team. taking wins in the majority of these 10 games will boost their chances at a real playoff run but, if losses do come against the Cardinals in their next series, the Astros can end up back in the same place, 4 games behind the leader. Wandy Rodriguez and ace pitcher Roy Oswalt have competed well so far in the second half of the season and Miguel Tejada and the Astros bat's have finally come to life. A slow start and a big finish is just what the Astros need to slide under every ones noses right into the playoffs.