A three-run blast by Lars Nootbaar to center field propelled the Cardinals to a series win, defeating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Wednesday, April 16 at Busch Stadium.

Nootbaar’s blast came with no outs in the fifth, after Houston starter Ronel Blanco gave up singles to Victor Scott II and Thomas Saggese. The home run overcame an early hole the Cards fell into after Cardinals starter Steven Matz allowed two singles to open the game, followed a groundout by Isaac Paredes that scored Jose Altuve. Matz overcame the early woes to claim the win, going the minimum five innings and recording five strikeouts while allowing the lone run on two hits. Ryan Helsley allowed one walk but was otherwise unblemished to secure his third save of the year. The Cardinals added an insurance run in the sixth with Saggese’s double bringing home Jordan Walker.

The Cardinals return to .500 on the year but are fourth in the NL Central. The Redbirds are on the road to Queens, as they open a four-game series against the New York Mets on Thursday night. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m., with Andre Pallante getting the start for St Louis.