Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Chris Johnson's two-run single highlighted a six-run seventh inning that featured two Atlanta errors, as the Houston Astros pounded the NL East-leading Braves, 10-4, in the opener of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.
Johnson finished with three RBI and scored two runs for the Astros, who avoided a fifth straight loss while extending their home winning streak to six games. Carlos Lee had two hits, drove in a pair and scored twice.
Brian McCann clubbed a two-run homer to put Atlanta ahead 4-3 in the sixth, but his errant throw played a role in the nightmarish seventh.
The loss trimmed Atlanta's lead in the division standings over idle Philadelphia to 1 1/2 games. The Phillies host the Dodgers for three games, beginning Tuesday.