Astros 8, Braves 3
Hunter Pence extended his hitting streak to 23 games with a two-run homer and Houston snapped its four-game losing streak with an 8-3 win over Atlanta Monday at Minute Maid Park.
Pence, who went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, hit his ninth homer in the third inning to break open a scoreless game. The support benefited Wandy Rodriguez (4-3), who pitched six shutout innings in his first start since coming off the disabled list with fluid on his left elbow.
The Astros pounded out 14 hits and victimized Braves starter Derek Lowe (3-5) for eight hits and five runs in 5 1/3 innings. It was the most runs Houston has scored since a 12-7 win over the Cubs on May 30.
The Braves spoiled the shutout when Jordan Schafer hit a three-run homer, his first, with two outs in the ninth against reliever Brandon Lyon.
Atlanta’s winning streak was snapped at six, but the Braves completed their road trip with a 7-3 record.