Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Brett Myers went the distance and Lance Berkman’s grand slam capped a six-run seventh inning as Houston downed Chicago, 6-1, in the second of three between the clubs at Minute Maid Park.
Hunter Pence and Angel Sanchez also knocked in runs during the deciding frame for the Astros, who have won two of three.
Myers (8-6) turned in his first complete game since September 14, 2008 when he pitched for the Phillies against Milwaukee. He equaled a career high with 12 strikeouts and walked only one batter while scattering four hits and one run.
Tyler Colvin’s ninth-inning homer was the lone offense for the Cubs, who have dropped two of three.
Andrew Cashner (1-4) was tagged for six runs and two hits with two walks over 1 1/3 relief frames. His performance ruined a strong start by Ted Lilly, who allowed five hits and no runs with eight strikeouts over 5 2/3 frames.
Cashner hit Humberto Quintero to begin the seventh, and after he stole second, Myers laid down a perfect sacrifice. Michael Bourn was given a free pass then Sanchez was safe on an attempted fielder’s choice to score Quintero. Pence followed with a single to right to plate another run, then Carlos Lee drew a walk and Jeff Keppinger was hit.
Berkman capped the burst with a grand slam into the seats beyond the bullpen in right center for a 6-0 contest.
Myers turned aside the Cubs in order in the eighth and despite allowing a leadoff homer to Colvin and a single to Starlin Castro, struck out the final three batters.
Myers allowed just one hit and Lilly yielded only five through the first five innings.
In the sixth, the Astros put two on via a pair of walks with two out and Lilly was lifted for Cashner, who fanned Chris Johnson swinging to keep the game scoreless.
Houston has won seven of 11 against Chicago this season…Myers completed his 21st straight start of six innings or more this year a streak which places him third on the franchise list behind Larry Dierker and Darryl Kile…Keppinger left game in sixth with a stiff back…Berkman’s slam was Houston’s second of 2010, after Lee hit one on June 9 against Colorado.