Hamilton: Five-hit day
(c) Associated Press
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Matt Lindstrom has handled the closer role quite well this year but most blown saves hurt more than usual. Such was the case on Sunday when Josh Hamilton singled home the tying run in the ninth off Lindstrom then drove home the winning run in the next frame off Gustavo Chacin to give Texas a 5-4 decision and a sweep of the three-game series.
The Astros jumped out to a 4-1 lead with two-run rallies in the first two innings. Lance Berkman doubled home Jeff Keppinger in the first and scored on Carlos Lee's birthday single. In the second, an error and a wild pitch brought in Pedro Feliz and Tommy Manzella.
Felipe Paulino nursed that advantage and left with a 4-3 lead after six. Three relievers held that edge until Lindstrom got into trouble in the ninth and allowed the tying run to cross. The next inning, Hamilton completed his five-hit day with the game-winning single.
The Astros take Monday off before starting a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. Roy Oswalt (5-8) reprises his Opening Day duel against Tim Lincecum (7-2) in a 7:05 Central start.
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