Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Jason Michaels went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBI, helping the Houston Astros post a 7-0 win over the Texas Rangers and avoid being swept in the finale of a three-game interleague set at Minute Maid Park.
Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez (6-4) worked seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits — all singles — while fanning four and walking three. David Carpenter, Fernando Abad and Mark Melancon worked the final two innings in perfect fashion to seal the four-hitter.
Carlos Lee added a home run and Clint Barmes collected three hits for the Astros, who snapped a five-game losing streak and an eight-game slide at home.
Elvis Andrus had a pair of hits, while Michael Young and David Murphy added the others for the Rangers, who had won the first two games of the series after scoring a combined 10 runs.
Matt Harrison (6-7) went six innings in defeat, yielding five runs on seven hits while striking out two and walking a pair.