Bagwell: RBI single in first
(c) Reuters / Tim Johnson
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The Houston Astros swept division rival Chicago in a 7-3 win Wednesday night in front of 40,977 at Astros Field.
Granted, it was only a two-game series sweep, but after the last road trip, we'll take the positives where we can.
Craig Biggio doubled to lead off the game, then after a sacrifice bunt by Adam Everett moved him to third, Jeff Bagwell singled to drive him home. Houston took a 4-0 lead in the fourth when Bagwell and Jeff Kent hit back-to-back homers.
Richard Hidalgo scored in the sixth on a pinch-hit squeeze bunt by Orlando Palmeiro. Brad Lidge and Octavio Dotel pitched perfectly in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, to close the game.
Coupled with the Reds' 3-0 loss to Florida Wednesday, the Astros are now one game behind in the standings.
On the down side, Houston starter Andy Pettitte left the game after the fourth inning with a strain to his left forearm.
The Astros have an off-day Thursday. On Friday, Roger Clemens (7-0, 2.51) takes on the Cardinals' Chris Carpenter (5-1, 3.93) at Astros Field.
-- submitted by Darrell Pittman
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