HOUSTON – Hunter Pence had an RBI double and the Houston Astros scored three runs on two St. Louis errors in their 5-1 victory over the Cardinals on Friday night.

Brian Moehler (3-2) had his best outing in six starts this season, allowing two hits and striking out five in seven innings. He set down the Cardinals in order four times and retired the last eight batters he faced.

Geoff Blum homered in the eighth, his fourth of the season, as Houston won for the 13th time in 17 home games. Blum started at third base as manager Cecil Cooper shook up his lineup. The Astros had scored three runs or less in their last eight games and lost seven times.

Braden Looper (7-5), facing the Astros for the fourth time this season, matched a career high with seven strikeouts and gave up two earned runs and eight hits in six innings.