MLB: Texas 6, Houston 1

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HOUSTON, May 20 (UPI) -- Colby Lewis tossed eight strong innings and capped a big first inning with a two-run single Sunday in the Texas Rangers' 6-1 interleague win over Houston.

Josh Hamilton's sacrifice fly gave the Rangers a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and Nelson Cruz added a two-run single for a 3-0 advantage.

After Jordan Lyles (0-1) hit Yorvit Torrealba to load the bases with two outs, Lewis -- batting only because of the National League venue -- looped a single to left for two more runs, breaking the game open.

Lewis (4-3) also turned in a brilliant pitching performance, holding the Astros to one run on four hits over eight innings. He walked only one and struck out six, tossing 77 of 122 pitches for strikes.

The Rangers took the rubber match of their three-game set at Minute Maid Park with the triumph.

Lyles was rocked for six runs on nine hits over five full frames for Houston.

Jed Lowrie cracked a solo homer in the loss.