Lee’s three-run shot lifts Houston Astros to 3-2 win over St. Louis Cardinals

Astros beat Cardinals 3-2

HOUSTON — Carlos Lee’s three-run homer lifted the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.

Houston was trailing 2-0 when Lee followed Miguel Tejada’s single and a walk by Lance Berkman with a shot to deep left field in the fourth inning.

It was the first game of a three-game series between NL Central foes and key for a Houston team looking to gain ground on the division leading Cardinals.

Brian Moehler (7-5) allowed six hits and two runs with five strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings to improve his perfect career record against the Cardinals to 5-0.

LaTroy Hawkins gave up two hits in the eighth before closer Jose Valverde pitched a scoreless ninth for his 10th save.