The Cardinals regained the lead in the 10th when Albert Pujols had a leadoff double off Dan Wheeler before consecutive bunts, the second a squeeze by Rodriguez. Pujols was charging home when Rodriguez placed the bunt between the mound and third base.

Isringhausen again couldn’t hold the lead, allowing Ausmus’ second homer of the season in the 10th.

After skipping his last start because of a stiff neck, Mulder struck out eight and walked two. He didn’t allow a runner after Lance Berkman drew a two-out walk in the third.

Yadier Molina homered for the Cardinals (85-50), who still have the best record in the major leagues. His solo homer came in the second, and Edmonds’ 23rd came after Pujols led off the sixth with a single to put St. Louis up 3-2.

Houston remained a half-game behind Philadelphia, which beat Washington, in the wild-card standings. The Astros are 12½ games behind the first-place Cardinals.

“It was just a much more important game for us than them,” Ausmus said. “I don’t think they are worried about making the playoffs. We’re fighting for our lives.”

Mulder was supposed to start last Saturday at Washington, but his neck tightened up in the clubhouse the previous night. His start was then pushed back to Sunday, but the Cardinals decided to skip his turn rather than risk further injury.

The only trouble Mulder had against Houston was in the second when he walked Berkman to start the inning and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek bobbled a potential double play grounder for an error. Chris Burke then singled to load the bases before Adam Everett’s RBI grounder and Ausmus’ run-scoring single.

Ezequiel Astacio struck out six over 5 1-3 innings and allowed three runs and eight hits. The rookie right-hander has allowed a team-high 21 home runs.

Notes: St. Louis is 39-18 against the NL Central, winning 24 of the last 29 games against division foes. The Cardinals are 9-3 against Houston. ... Ensberg’s homer produced his 95th RBI, matching Sean Berry’s team record by a third baseman. ... Astros RHP Brandon Backe threw five shutout innings Friday night as he continued his injury rehabilitation in Double-A Corpus Christi. Backe, recovering from a strained left ribcage, threw 40 of his 62 pitches for strikes with seven strikeouts and no walks. He is expected to start in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Twins’ Mauer wins AL MVP award CTB: Mauer had truly historic season CTB: Did A-Rod throw cousin under financial bus? CTB: Red Sox willing to throw money into Lowell deal DeMarco: Red Sox should take measured approach CTB: Handicapping the Halladay chase Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay CTB: Should the Yankees get younger? CTB: Mets may play some games in Puerto Rico   CTB: Future Hall of Famer Vizquel joins White Sox Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: