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Valbuena's power lifts Astros past Rockies

Jun 16, 2015 - 10:53 PM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Luis Valbuena homered twice and drove in four, as Houston topped Colorado by an 8-5 count in the second installment of a four-game, interleague, home-and-home set.

Hank Conger homered among his two hits and knocked in a pair for the Astros, with Jose Altuve and Domingo Santana adding an RBI apiece as the hosts rallied from a 3-1 deficit.

Will Harris (3-0) struck out two and gave up two hits over 1 1/3 relief frames. Vincent Velasquez worked the first 4 2/3, allowing seven hits and five runs with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks.

"He just exposed his breaking ball a little bit and they made those adjustments," said Astros manager A.J. Hinch.

Carlos Gonzalez cracked a two-run shot for the Rockies, who dropped a 6-3 decision in Monday's opener. Charlie Blackmon, Michael McKenry and DJ LeMahieu drove in a run apiece in the loss.

Chris Rusin (2-2) was rocked for seven runs on nine hits over four full frames. Colorado ended its road trip with one win in six tries.

Valbuena went deep for the first time with one out in the second, and the Astros put up five more in the third to take the lead for good.

Altuve worked a one-out walk, Evan Gattis added a single, then three straight hits -- back-to-back RBI singles from Conger and Santana and a three-run blast from Valbuena -- made it 7-3.

Troy Tulowitzki singled with two down in the fifth and Gonzalez reached the seats in right center for a 7-5 contest, but Conger responded in the home half with his own solo shot.

Gonzalez appeared to have pulled the Rockies within 8-6 in the seventh, but his high arcing fly off Tony Sipp, which sailed above the right-field foul pole, was revealed to be foul upon review. He eventually struck out to end the inning.

Chad Qualls quieted the Rockies with two on in the eighth, and Luke Gregerson turned in a perfect ninth to notch his 17th save.

Velasquez found some trouble in the top of the first. Chris Dickerson doubled just below the home-run line in left, and a lengthy review upheld the call despite an appearance that the carom off the seats indicated a home run. Colorado failed to score him, however.

George Springer singled, moved up on a balk and scored on an Altuve base hit and the hosts were on the board in the bottom of the first.

Colorado responded with three in the second on a triple from McKenry, ground- rule double from LeMahieu and single by Blackmon.

Game Notes

These clubs will meet again, in Denver, on Wednesday and Thursday to complete the series ... Valbuena posted his third career multi-homer game ... Prior to the contest, the Astros placed outfielder Colby Rasmus on the bereavement list and recalled Santana from Triple-A Fresno. Santana's RBI hit was his first in the majors, snapping an 0-for-18 string ... Also before the game, the Brewers claimed infielder Matt Dominguez off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs, after Houston designated him for assignment on June 8 ... Altuve rejoined the lineup after a three-game absence due to a right hamstring strain.