MLB: Houston 8, N.Y. Mets 3

NEW YORK, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer Saturday to help the Houston Astros beat the New York Mets 8-3.

The homer was of Berkman's three hits in the game, staked Houston to a 5-0 lead with one out in the top of the third inning. He added an RBI single in the sixth.

Miguel Tejada had three hits and two RBI. David Newhan belted a sixth-inning solo homer.

Geoff Blum had one RBI and Darin Erstad added two hits in a 12-hit attack for the Astros, who have split their last 10 games.

Winner Brandon Backe (8-12) gave up three earned runs and five hits in seven innings.

New York's Brian Schneider hit an eighth-inning two-run homer. Ryan Church had two hits and one RBI and Jose Reyes had two hits for the NL East-leading Mets, whose lead over Philadelphia fell to 1 ½ games.

Losing pitcher John Maine (10-8) was hammered for eight earned runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.