Braves 11, Astros 4
Rookie Freddie Freeman had three hits - including a tape-measure home run - and the Atlanta Braves recorded their fourth straight victory with an 11-4 triumph over the Houston Astros on Friday at Minute Maid Park.
Freeman and Alex Gonzalez belted back-to-back homers to spark a four-run third inning for the Braves, who matched their season-high in runs.
Freeman’s sixth homer of the season landed high in the second level of the outfield section and Gonzalez followed with a deep drive to left for his seventh homer on the next pitch.
Atlanta also received home runs from Eric Hinske and Chipper Jones, who had his parents in the stands.
Houston’s Matt Downs belted his fourth homer of the season in the ninth inning.
The run support benefited Tim Hudson (5-5), who allowed two hits and struck out four in six innings. Hudson is now 135-2 when given a three-run lead.
Aneury Rodriguez (0-4) was tagged for six runs on four hits.