MLB: Houston 4, St. Louis 3

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Jeff Keppinger's solo homer Thursday led the Houston Astros to a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Keppinger's fourth homer this season, his only hit, snapped a 3-3 tie with two outs in the top of the ninth.

Kaz Matsui had two hits and one RBI.

Michael Bourn had one RBI, while Chris Coste added two hits for the Astros, who averted a three-game sweep.

The winner was closer Jose Valverde (2-2).

Starter Brian Moehler gave up three runs and six hits in six innings.

St. Louis scored on Ryan Ludwick's sixth-inning two-run single and Matt Holliday's solo homer in the second.

Julio Lugo had two of the eight hits for the Cardinals, who had won four in a row.

The losing pitcher was reliever Kyle McClellan (4-3).

Starter Chris Carpenter surrendered two runs and five hits in six innings.