Hamilton ran his major league-leading RBI total to 49.

Texas let a six-run lead get away in the middle innings, regained the advantage with a two-run seventh and then broke things open with six more in the eighth, thanks in part to solo shots by David Murphy and Chris Shelton and a two-run blast by Michael Young.

Hamilton hit a solo homer in the third and added a three-run job in the fourth to make it 8-2. Seven of the Rangers' runs were unearned thanks to five Houston errors.

Although Houston starter Shawn Chacon was roughed up for eight runs in 3 1/3 innings, the fact the Astros came back to tie it at 8-8 allowed him to set an all-time major league record. He is the first pitcher in history to open the season with nine straight no-decisions.

The loss went to Wesley Wright (3-1), the third Houston pitcher, who gave up two runs on three hits in 1 1/3.

Jamey Wright (2-1) got the win with a perfect seventh inning.