Houston Snaps Its Five-Game Losing Streak

Attempting to stay in the NL West race, the recently stumbling Astros lost the first game of the series to the Mets to run their losing streak to five games but then bounced back to take the next two. Houston is now at 22-20, while the Mets drop to 22-24.

Game 1: NYM 4, HOU 0
W: Koosman (3-5)
L: Lemongello (3-5)
MVP: Koosman

Wily vet Jerry Koosman took advantage of a two-run homer from pinch-hitter Joel Youngblood (1) and was helped by two runs coming on a passed ball and a wild pitch from erratic Houston starter Mark Lemongello to shut out the Astros.

Game 2: HOU 4, NYM 2
W: Andujar (8-1)
L: Bruhert (1-5)
MVP: Andujar

Joaquin Andujar became the major's first eight game winner and helped put the Astros back on the winning track. Cesar Cedeno, now batting .319 on the year, stroked the game-winning single off young, struggling starter Mark Bruhert but four Astroturf doubles from Houston (including Art Howe's 12th of the year) broke the game open.

Game 3: HOU 2, NYM 1
W: Dixon (1-1)
L: Espinosa (5-4)

MVP: Dixon 

A complete game from converted starter Tom Dixon, for his first win of the year, helped Houston hang on in a tight one. Houston got the go-ahead run in the 6th due to Jose Cruz's 11th double of the year. The steady-hitting Cruz went three-for-four and added his eighth stolen base off Mets loser Anulfo Acevedo "Nino" Espinosa, who pitched seven strong himself.