The Rebirds play the second of three games in Houston tonight against the Astros.  The Redbirds turn to Chris Carpenter to try and help them break a three-game losing streak.  "Carp" is 14-and-4 with a 2.93 ERA on the season.  The Astros counter with 10-and-12 Wandy Rodriguez, who has an earned run average of 3.87.  The Astros took the series opener last night 3-0. Happ went the distance for Houston and held the Cards to just two hits.  St. Louis is now 2-and-6 on its road trip, which will conclude tomorrow with a matinee against the Astros  Then they head home to start a crucial three-game set against the Reds on Friday.

A couple of changes for the Cardinals weren't enough to help the team Monday night as it was shut out by the Astros. Colby Rasmus started in center field for the Cards in the series opener last night.  Rasmus had been limited to pinch-hit duty over the last few weeks as he battled a strained calf muscle.  Rasmus batted seventh and went 0-for-2 with a walk last night.  He lined out to right and lined into a double play.  The St. Louis players also collectively shaved their heads prior to last night's loss.  Aaron Miles told the Cards' website the players chopped off their hair to show allegiance to the team.

The Cardinals' continuing troubles have them falling in the NL Central race. The Cards' loss to the Astros last night, combined with the Reds' 5-4, 10-inning win over the Brewers, has Cincinnati leading the division by six games. The Redbirds and Reds will meet for a three-game series this weekend at Busch Stadium. It will be the last regular-season set between the division rivals this year. Despite yesterday's loss, St. Louis remains three games out and in third place in the race for the National League Wild Card. Both the Phillies and Giants were also losers Monday. The Phils still lead the Wild Card hunt, while the Giants are a game-and-a-half off the pace.

The Cubs play the middle contest of their three-game set against the Pirates tonight at Wrigley Field. The Northsiders cruised to a 14-2 victory in the series opener last night as Carlos Zambrano got things done on the mound and at the plate. He allowed one unearned run over five-and-a-third innings for his sixth win, while adding a two-run homer.  Overall, the Cubs have won five of their last seven games. 

Rams running back Steven Jackson is looking forward to the start of the 2010 regular season. According to the "Post-Dispatch," Jackson is ready for the season opener September 12th against the NFC West-rival Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome.  Jackson underwent back surgery in April. He said he'd prefer not to play in this Thursday's preseason finale against the Ravens, but would be ready if head coach Steve Spagnuolo wanted him in the game. He also said it would be nice to get more time with rookie quarterback Sam Bradford. Coach Spagnuolo said he still hadn't decided whether to play Jackson against Baltimore. Last year, the two-time Pro Bowler carried the ball 324 times for 1,416 yards and four touchdowns.