Houston, TX (Sports Network) – A well-rested Hunter Pence brought life to a listless Astros lineup, going 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI as Houston avoided getting swept by the Braves behind an 8-3 victory in the finale of a four-game series.
Pence, fresh from sitting out on Sunday due to tightness in his back, extended his career-best hitting streak to 23 games while contributing to the Astros’ 14-hit attack.
Brett Wallace reached base four times on two doubles and two walks while scoring twice and knocking in a run for Houston, which won for just the second time in 10 games.
Wandy Rodriguez (4-3) halted Atlanta’s winning streak at six with six shutout innings in his return from the disabled list.
Derek Lowe (3-5) remained winless over his last seven starts after yielding five runs on eight hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings.