Cardinals Complete Sweep Over Astros in Close Contest

In a tightly contested matchup, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Houston Astros 7-5 at Daikin Park on April 18, 2026, completing a three-game series sweep. This victory marked the Cardinals' third consecutive win against the Astros, showcasing their dominance in this series.

The Astros have struggled recently, holding an 8-14 record for the season and posting a dismal 2-8 in their last ten games. Their recent form has seen them average 4.9 runs scored while allowing 7.0 runs per game. The Astros' last ten games included a mix of results, with their most recent outing being a loss to the Colorado Rockies, where they fell 2-3. In this stretch, they have managed to win only two games at home, while their away record remains a troubling 0-7.

In contrast, the Cardinals have found more success, boasting a 12-8 record overall and a 6-4 record in their last ten games. They are currently on a two-game winning streak, averaging 5.0 runs scored and allowing 5.8 runs per game during this period. Their latest victories came against the Cleveland Guardians, where they won 5-3 and 6-5 in consecutive games.

The matchup at Daikin Park was marked by several key moments. The scoring opened in the first inning when Yordan Alvarez of the Astros hit a home run to center field, giving Houston an early lead. However, the Cardinals quickly responded with a series of strong performances, including a home run from Masyn Winn in the third inning that extended their lead to 4-1. The Cardinals continued to build on their advantage with additional home runs from Fermín and Burleson, pushing the score to 7-1 by the eighth inning.

The Astros made a late push in the eighth inning, scoring two runs, including a run from José Altuve after a double play. They added two more runs in the ninth, courtesy of a home run from Whitcomb, but ultimately fell short, unable to overcome the Cardinals' lead.

In terms of injuries, the Astros were notably affected, with several key players on the injured list, including Brice Matthews, Mike Burrows, and Carlos Correa, all of whom are on the 60-day injured list. The Cardinals also faced injury challenges, with Everson Pereira on the 10-day injured list and Ramon Urias listed as day-to-day.

The betting odds from DraftKings reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Astros priced at -149 on the money line and the Cardinals at +124. The spread was set at -1.5 for the Astros, with a total of 9.0 runs for the game.

As the game progressed, conditions remained conducive for baseball, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Viewers were treated to a display of power hitting, particularly from the Cardinals, who capitalized on the Astros' pitching struggles.

The series concluded with the Cardinals firmly establishing their superiority over the Astros, leaving Houston to regroup as they look to improve their performance in upcoming games.