HOUSTON — Carlos Lee had the go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning and Lance Berkman had a career-high five hits to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.
Miguel Tejada and Berkman both singled in the eighth before Lee’s hit to right field. Austin Kearns dived for the ball, but it bounced just in front of him.
After scoring, Tejada stood near the plate and motioned for Berkman to head home. Berkman, whose five hits tied a franchise record for a nine-inning game, has nine hits in the last two games.
The Astros had tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on a balk before Kearns’ homer to left field off Doug Brocail (2-0). Before the home run, Brocail hadn’t allowed a run in six straight appearances and 13 of his last 15 games.
Brocail still got the win, while Jose Valverde pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh save as the Astros won their fourth straight.
Houston also has a winning record (17-16) for the first time since April 22.
Luis Ayala (1-2) allowed three hits and two runs in the eighth inning for the loss.
The bottom of the seventh was marred by Washington blunders.
Berkman got a double when his fly to center bounced off the glove of Lastings Milledge to start the inning. Berkman stole third before Hunter Pence walked.
Astros starter Shawn Chacon received his seventh straight no-decision.
