The game's only runs scored in the top of the sixth inning on Hunter Pence's two-run homer, his 21st this season. Mark Loretta and Reggie Abercrombie had three hits apiece for the Astros, who have won eight of their last 10 games.

Oswalt (14-9) walked two batters and fanned six, and 70 of his 102 pitches were strikes in his fifth career complete game. Only Brad Hawpe's fifth inning single prevented Oswalt's first no-hitter.

Losing pitcher Jeff Francis (4-9) surrendered two earned runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

Houston's Ty Wigginton left the contest in the first inning with a left groin strain after running out a ground ball to second base. His status is day-to-day.