Big Hits Lift Astros Over Nationals

Morgan Ensberg and Orlando Palmeiro doubled with the bases loaded, and the Houston Astros held off the Washington Nationals, 7-6, Wednesday night at Houston.

Brad Lidge got the save despite a shaky ninth, striking out pinch-hitter Jose Guillen with runners at the corners to end it. Houston moved two games ahead of Washington in the NL wild-card race.

Craig Biggio also had a run-scoring double and four hits for the Astros, who resumed their home dominance after dropping the series opener Tuesday. The Astros are 37-16 at Minute Maid Park, where they have not lost consecutive games since June 4.

Jose Vidro and pitcher Livan Hernandez homered for the Nationals, who have not strung together back-to-back wins on the road since July 3.

Atlanta 5, San Francisco 4 -- Andruw Jones added to his major league lead with two more homers, and Marcus Giles’ RBI single gave the Braves the victory at Atlanta in 12 innings after they squandered a three-run lead in the ninth.

Jones homered in the sixth and eighth innings to give him 37.

Florida 10, Arizona 5 -- Mike Lowell pulled the hidden-ball trick to stem a Diamondback rally, and the Marlins scored four runs in the eighth at Miami.

With the Diamondbacks trailing, 6-5, Luis Terrero reached third base with two out. Once Terrero took his lead off third base, though, Lowell walked over and tagged out the stunned baserunner.

New York 9, San Diego 1 -- Kris Benson took a one-hit shutout into the ninth inning and David Wright tied career highs with four hits and six RBIs -- including a three-run homer -- as the Mets rolled at San Diego.

Cincinnati 8, Chicago 2 -- Ryan Freel homered on the first pitch of the game at Chicago and the Reds sent the Cubs to their eighth straight loss.

St. Louis 3, Milwaukee 0 -- Jeff Suppan outdueled Ben Sheets and the Cardinals swept a three-game series at Milwaukee for the second time this season.

Colorado 6, Pittsburgh 5 -- Matt Holliday hit a run-scoring single in the 10th inning and had a three-run homer to lead the Rockies at Denver.