The Astros only managed 6 hits and struck out 13 times, but two of the hits were three-run homers by Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett, and Mike Lamb added a two-run double to lead the Astros over the Brewers at Miller Park.
Rookie Wandy Rodriguez earned his first major league win by pitching 6 innings, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs while striking out 5. Brad Lidge picked up the save with a scoreless 9th, punching out two.
The Astros jumped on Brewers starter Ben Sheets, fresh off the DL, in the first as Orlando Palmeiro led off with a walk, took third on a botched grounder to the second baseman by Todd Self, and scored on a single by Lance Berkman. After striking out Lamb, Sheets then gave up a three-run blast to Ensberg.
Lamb and Everett did their damage in the 6th inning, greeting the Brewers bullpen with 5 runs to cap a much needed 4th win of the season on the road.
The Astros will try to win a series away from home tommorow at 1:05, as Andy Pettitte will return to the mound after missing a start with elbow issues against yet another lefty Chris Capuano.