Berkman: Unstoppable
(c) Associated Press
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It's getting to where you don't even sweat a 3-0 deficit anymore. The Astros offense again blossomed late to take a 7-3 win at San Francisco after trailing by three entering the sixth. They remain 1-1/2 games behind Chicago in the Central Division race but have now climbed within a half-game of second place St. Louis.
Lance Berkman was his usual self with three hits, including his 13th homer to jack his batting average up to .390 and his OPS to an amazing 1.270. Unlikely contributors Jose Cruz and Brad Ausmus (who notched career hit #1500) delivered a pair of hits each to boost their averages to .128 and .239 respectively. An errant pick-off play gave Houston two insurance runs.
Roy Oswalt survived to get his fourth win and Jose Valverde again got the last out for his ninth save.
Brandon Backe (2-4) is the next contestant as the quality start streak reaches four. He's scheduled to face Matt Cain (1-3) Tuesday in a 9:15 Central start.
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