HOUSTON, April 26 (UPI) -- Pudge Rodriguez hit a key solo homer Sunday and the Houston Astros recorded a 3-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
The homer, Rodriguez's second this season, snapped a 2-2 tie with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning. Carlos Lee had a third-inning RBI single, one run scored on a third-inning fielding error by Rickie Weeks, while Geoff Blum had two of seven hits for the Astros, who averted a three-game sweep.
Winner Russ Ortiz (2-0) gave up two earned runs and four hits in five innings with four walks and three strikeouts.
Closer Jose Valverde, the last of six pitchers, earned his second save.
Jason Kendall and Mike Cameron had two hits and one RBI apiece for the Brewers, who had won four in a row.
Losing pitcher Manny Parra (0-3) surrendered three runs -- one earned -- and five hits in five innings.
