Astros 5, Marlins 4
The Astros scored four runs in the top of the ninth against Miami closer Heath Bell to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Marlins committed three errors in the disastrous ninth inning, which resulted in Bell’s second blown save in as many chances.
Rhiner Cruz (1-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings, and Brett Myers worked a perfect ninth inning for his second save.
Bell (0-2) exited the game after the Astros tied the game on Carlos Lee’s RBI single. Justin Maxwell scored the go-ahead run when left fielder Logan Morrison couldn't handle Brian Bogusevic’s fly ball off Randy Choate.
The Astros’ rally ruined a solid outing by Carlos Zambrano, who walked six batters but allowed just one run over six innings.
Tied at 1-1, the Marlins scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning off Bud Norris, capped by Gaby Sanchez’s single that knocked in Hanley Ramirez.
Ramirez, who entered the game batting .133, went 3-for-4 and crushed one ball to deep center field for an out.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Houston won for just the second time in its last nine games against Miami. ... The Marlins didn’t start regulars Omar Infante, Giancarlo Stanton and John Buck. … Astros leadoff hitter Jordan Schafer has walked five times in the last two games.