Loretta finished with three hits, including two-run doubles in the second and ninth. Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada had one RBI each, but no other player had more than one hit for the Astros, who snapped a four-game losing streak.

Sampson (4-3) struck out two batters with no walks in his first start since May 25. He had made 13 straight relief appearances before the start.

Atlanta's run scored on Brian McCann's fifth-inning homer. Three others had one hit for the Braves, who have dropped six of seven.

Losing pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes (3-7) suffered his third loss in a row, giving up four earned runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings.