The Astros were once again at arm’s length from the Cincinnati Reds, current owners of the NL Wild Card, with a six-run fifth inning, which highlighted a monster 3-run shot by Lance Berkman, a key for an Astros 8-5 win at Minute Maid Park.

Just like rain showed no mercy on Houston, the Astros unloaded a rare offensive onslaught, which helped erase a shaky outing by Andy Pettitte. They took advantage of the current trials and tribulations of Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, which were more than evident last night.

Berkman belted two home runs, including that mammoth dinger that was the second longest in Minute Maid Park history; not too bad since he’s recovering from a groin strain that forced him to jog the bases.

It all fit, and it was a solid display of what Jim Molony, one of the most rational writers to cover the team, told us in his latest article: this is not a problem of lack of pieces, but execution. And we saw what the Astros can do if they execute well.