Astros 3, Dodgers 2
Chris Johnson hit a three-run homer and Bud Norris pitched six strong innings as the Houston Astros extended their home winning streak to five games with a 3-2 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.
Humberto Quintero recorded two hits for the Astros, who have won 14 of 18 overall.
Fresh off being swept in a three-game series by San Diego, Los Angeles grabbed an early lead as Andre Ethier belted a two-run homer in the first inning. It was the 21st blast of the season for Ethier and first in 14 games.
Ted Lilly made it stand until the sixth, when Hunter Pence led off with a single and Carlos Lee walked. One out later, Johnson launched his eighth homer of the year, giving the Astros a 3-2 edge.
The blast made a winner of Norris (7-8), who allowed two runs - one earned - and three hits in six innings. The 25-year old, who had yielded 10 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings over his previous two starts, walked four and struck out seven.
Gustavo Chacin and Mark Melancon combined for two scoreless innings before Brandon Lyon worked a perfect ninth for his 14th save in 15 opportunities.
Lilly (9-9) suffered his second straight loss after winning his first five decisions with the Dodgers. The left-hander surrendered three runs and seven hits in six innings, walking two and striking out six.