PHOENIX, June 25 (UPI) -- Lyle Overbay hit a two-run homer Wednesday as the Arizona Diamondbacks won their eighth straight, 3-2 over the Houston Astros.
Jose Valverde, who like Overbay is a rookie, earned his eighth save in as many opportunities.
Despite being without aces Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling and with most of its infield sidelined with injuries, Arizona is one win shy of matching the longest winning streak in franchise history. The Diamondbacks' fifth straight win over Houston also featured starter Elmer Dessens' first win in exactly one month.
Dessens (5-4) allowed two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings and snapped a stretch of five outings without a decision. He walked two and struck out four in evening his lifetime record against the Astros at 3-3.
