Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Hunter Pence’ dramatic, RBI single highlighted a three-run ninth, as the Houston Astros edged the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-3, in the first of a three-game set from Minute Maid Park.
Trailing 3-1 and down to their final at bat, the Astros placed runners on second and third with two outs before Michael Bourn ripped a game-tying double down the right field line. After Clint Barmes was hit by a pitch, Pence lifted a 1-0 cutter over short and Bourn barely beat the throw home to complete the exhilarating comeback.
Jeff Fulchino (1-2) earned the win after working 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to help the Astros win for the third time in their past four games.
Kenley Jansen (1-1) suffered the blown save and the loss, as the Dodgers dropped their third straight.
Matt Kemp blasted the 100th home run of his career and James Loney went 1- for-4, extending his hit streak to nine games.