MLB: Houston 7, Texas 2

HOUSTON, June 26 (UPI) -- Wandy Rodriguez carried a shutout into the eighth inning Thursday and the Houston Astros sent 15 men to the plate in the first two innings in beating Texas 7-2.

Rodriguez (3-3) allowed a run on five hits while striking out nine in an eight-inning stint. It was Houston's fourth win in six games.

The Astros roughed up Kevin Millwood (5-4) for seven runs on 12 hits over five innings.

Houston loaded the bases with two out in the first and Hunter Pence cleared them with a triple. The Astros added four runs in the second, the big blow being a two-run double from David Newhan.

The win ended a turbulent 24 hours for the Astros, who released pitcher Shawn Chacon after he had become involved in an altercation Wednesday with General Manager Ed Wade.

Texas slugger Josh Hamilton, meanwhile, left Thursday's game in the first inning when he was hit on his left wrist by a pitch. X-rays were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.

Hamilton leads the majors with 76 RBI.