The Houston Astros shock the World Series defending champions Philadelphia Phillies with a four-game sweep in their 3rd consecutive one-run game, winning, 4 – 3.

Two stars are out for the season today. Carlos Pena of the Rays breaks two fingers on his left hand when hit by a pitch from CC Sabathia in the opener of a doubleheader swept by the Yankees, 4 – 1 and 11 – 1. For their part, the Indians announce that Grady Sizemore will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in two days and also needs abdominal surgery after playing in pain all year.

By losing 4 – 2 to the Cubs, Pittsburgh is assured of finishing below .500 for a record 17th straight year. The Pirates have lost 10 of their last 11 games to drop to 54-82 and have not had a winning record since 1992. They were previously tied with the Philadelphia Phillies, who were below .500 every year from 1933 to 1948.

Chris Carpenter continues his dominating run of pitching for the Cardinals. He throws a one-hitter and strikes out 10 to dispose of Milwaukee, 3 – 0. Jody Gerut strokes a double for the only hit. Carpenter is now 16-3 with a 2.16 ERA and is a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award after injuries limited him to only 5 outings over the 2007 and 2008 seasons.