Figueroa: Pleasant surprise
(c) Associated Press
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Hunter Pence drove in both Houston runs Sunday, including a solo home run in the eighth, to lead a 2-1 victory over the Marlins that prevented a series sweep.
Andrew Miller started in place of Ricky Nolasco and gave up only one run on three hits for Florida. That run came in the third when Michael Bourn beat out a bunt, stole second, moved to third on Angel Sanchez' grounder and scored on Pence's sacrifice fly to center.
Nelson Figueroa had his second successive good start, surrendering one run and four hits in six innings while striking out seven. That run was a solo shot by rookie Gaby Sanchez in the sixth.
Wilton Lopez tossed two innings of one-hit ball and upped his record to 5-0 when Pence drilled a blast off Jose Veras over the scoreboard in left for his team-leading 19th home run of the year. Brandon Lyon worked the a tense ninth for his sixth save.
Brett Myers (8-7) gets the chance to face his ex-teammates on Monday when the Astros travel to Philadelphia to start a four-game series. Joe Blanton (5-6) will start for the Phillies in the 6:05 Central opener. For the curious, Roy Oswalt won't be pitching during this series after working against the Nationals on Sunday.
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