MILWAUKEE, July 31 (UPI) -- Cody Ransom cracked a three-run homer in the eighth inning Monday and the Milwaukee Brewers hung on for an 8-7 win over Houston.
Ransom's blast capped an outburst of eight runs over the seventh and eighth innings that gave Milwaukee a seemingly comfortable 8-4 lead, but it turned out to be the game-winner as the Astros staged a late rally.
Nyjer Morgan added a two-run shot and Cesar Izturis went 3-for-4 with a run-scoring single for the Brewers, who won the opener of a three-game series.
Reliever Livan Hernandez (3-1) earned the victory despite coughing up three runs -- including one in the eighth that allowed Houston to forge a 4-4 tie, and two more in the ninth.
Kameron Loe let in another Houston run in the final frame before closer John Axford was forced to record the final two outs for his 17th save.
Steve Pearce went 2-for-3 with three RBI, including one each in the eighth and ninth innings as the Astros tried to battle back.
Francisco Cordero (0-3) took the loss for Houston, which fell for the 13th time in 14 games.
