ATLANTA, May 17 (UPI) -- Brian McCann, who tied the score with a two-out home run in the ninth, connected for a two-run homer in the 11th, giving Atlanta a 3-1 victory over Houston.
Atlanta didn't have a runner advance beyond second base until McCann sent a shot over the wall in left-center in the ninth off Houston reliever Mark Melancon, tying the score at 1-1.
The Astros wasted a good opportunity to take the lead in the 11th when they loaded the bases with one out but J.R. Towles grounded into a double play that put Cory Gearrin (1-1) in position to take the win.
With one out in the bottom of the inning, Eric Hinske was walked by Jeff Fulchino (0-2) on four pitches. The first pitch to McCann was in the dirt but the second was down the middle and McCann jerked it down the right-field line for his fourth home run of the season.
McCann's heroics ruined a strong outing by Wandy Rodriguez, who allowed five hits in eight innings for Houston before being lifted for Melancon. Braves starter Derek Lowe was nearly as impressive, giving up five hits in seven innings. He allowed a home run to Brett Wallace in the seventh.
