MLB: Houston 3, Cincinnati 2

HOUSTON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Ty Wigginton blasted two solo homers Thursday, boosting the Houston Astros to a 3-2 victory over Cincinnati.

The second shot, his 19th homer this season, gave Houston a 3-0 lead with no outs in the top of the sixth inning, providing the winners with an insurance run.

Humberto Quintero hit a fifth inning solo homer and, like Wigginton, Geoff Blum had two hits for the Astros, who won the final two games of the three-game series and three of five overall.

Winning pitcher Brandon Backe (9-12) surrendered two earned runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings with one walk and six strikeouts.

Closer Jose Valverde earned his 35th save.

Cincinnati's Jay Bruce and Corey Patterson drove in a run each.

Six players had one hit for the Reds, who have dropped four of five.

Losing pitcher Aaron Harang (4-14) gave up three earned runs and seven hits in seven innings with no walks and nine strikeouts.