Braves 6, Astros 1

David Ross homered and scored three times and Paul Janish had a two-run single as host Atlanta took two of three from Houston.

Chipper Jones scored on a wild pitch from Bud Norris (5-9) to give the Braves a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning. The run was Jones' 1,600th of his career. Janish then gave Atlanta some breathing room after plating Freddie Freeman and Ross with a shot to center field.

Jones provided insurance with a two-out RBI double in the seventh inning for the Braves, who remained three games behind National East-leading Washington. The Nationals posted a 4-1 triumph over Miami on Sunday.

Jonny Venters (4-3) picked up the win in relief after working two-thirds of an inning. Kris Medlen made his second start of the season and allowed one run on five hits and struck out six in 5 1/3 innings.

Justin Maxwell, who homered twice among his career-high four hits on Saturday, continued his hot stretch with an RBI double in the sixth inning. Brett Wallace joined Maxwell with a pair of hits for the reeling Astros.

Norris suffered his eighth straight loss after permitting four runs on seven hits in six innings.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ross' solo homer in the second inning was his sixth blast of the season - and third in his last 11 games. ... Houston was attempting to record back-to-back victories for the first time since June 26-27. ... Astros OF Steve Pearce, who is nursing tightness in the pressure point in neck, returned to the lineup. He went 1-for-2. ... The Astros will begin a four-game set versus Washington on Monday. ... The Braves will travel to Philadelphia for a three-game series with the Phillies.

Final1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9thRHE
Houston AstrosAstros000001000180
Atlanta BravesBraves010003110690
WP:Jonny Venters (ATL)
LP:Bud Norris (HOU)
Season Series
AtlantaStatsHouston
4-2Vs2-4
.235Batting Average.263
4.5Runs / Game3.3
4Home Runs4
6Errors5