Houston Sweeps San Diego to Draw Closer to .500

The upstart Astros now are only three games under .500 after sweeping San Diego in three close, tense games.

Game One: HOU 4, SD 0
W: J. Niekro (6-4)
L: Shirley (4-4)

Joe Niekro has the knuckler working today, shutting out San Diego on five hits in his third complete game of the year. A three run sixth keyed by a two RBI single from Julio Gonzalez does in San Diego's Bob Shirley.

Game Two: HOU 3, SD 2 (10 innings)

W: Roberge (2-2)
L: Kinney (0-2)

Houston spot starter Rick Williams again pitches well, scattering seven hits and two runs in 8.1 innings (including a solo blast from Padres second bagger Fernando Gonzalez). However, Houston can only scratch out two runs off San Diego starter Randy Jones. But in the bottom of the 10th, Jose Cruz gets his third hit of the day and it's a big blow, a solo homer (his fourth) to win it for Houston.

Game Three: HOU 8, San Diego 7
W: Dixon (2-3)
L: Kinney (0-3)

The bats finally come out for both teams. Houston starter Joaquin Andujar surprises the Astrodome crowd by belting an early two run homer but gives it right back as San Diego takes a 6-3 lead in the seventh. Houston finds a way to come back with three runs in its half of the seventh but finds itself down 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth. However, San Diego's Dennis Kinney again blows the game,  walking Cesar Cedeno and Jose Cruz. Denny Walling then bangs a double off the right-center wall in Houston's spacious park. Cruz comes around from first on a close play at the plate to score the game winner.