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Biggio's slam leads Astros past Brewers

Apr 21, 2007 - 5:58 AM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Craig Biggio was looking for a sacrifice fly, but he got an added benefit

Biggio's third career grand slam in the ninth inning snapped a tie and ended up being just enough to lift the Astros over the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-5, for their fifth straight victory.

Chris Burke and Brad Ausmus had two hits each for the Astros, who improved to 6-1 on the road this season, but it was Biggio that provided the big bash.

"I was just trying to get the ball up in the air a little bit and definitely got the bonus out of it," Biggio said. "It was one of those crazy games. We've played a lot of games against these guys. They never give up and keep fighting. Every run counts."

Burke opened the ninth with a bunt single that was nearly caught by pitcher Matt Wise (0-1). Greg Aquino then replaced Wise and walked Adam Everett. Ausmus followed with a sacrifice and reached base safely when catcher Johnny Estrada unsuccessfully tried to throw Burke out at third base.

Biggio then belted a 2-2 offering over the center field wall that provided a 6-2 cushion.

"(Aquino) threw me a 2-0 breaking ball and came back with another breaking ball and I was able to get it far enough," Biggio said. "I wasn't looking for a breaking ball but he threw it and I was able to get it far enough."

Closer Brad Lidge nearly squandered the four-run lead in the bottom off the frame.

Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer and Johnny Estrada doubled with two outs to put the tying run in scoring position. After Trever Miller intentionally walked Corey Hart, Chad Qualls got Gabe Gross to ground out.

Rick White (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth inning to pick up the win.

Matt Albers made his season debut and third career start for the Astros. The 24-year-old, recalled by the Astros on Monday from Class AAA Round Rock, was effective over six innings, allowing two runs, six hits and two walks while striking out one.

"You just want to go out there and try and get ground balls and try to give your team a chance to win," Albers said. "It is a little bigger stage here, but you want to try and keep everything the same, go out their, relax and throw strikes."

Brewers starter Ben Sheets pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four in seven innings. The staff ace carried a 2-1 lead into the seventh, but back-to-back doubles by Adam Everett and Ausmus tied the game.

"I did my best today, but it wasn't good enough." Sheets said. "I gave myself a chance, I definitely can see a change in the right direction. I threw the ball a little better, but the stuff is still a little shaky."

Sheets allowed seven runs over five innings in his previous start against the St. Louis Cardinals.

J.J. Hardy hit his third home run of the season and Bill Hall drove in a run for Milwaukee.

Carlos Lee has one hit in his return to Milwaukee. The outfielder, traded to the Texas Rangers by the Brewers last season, signed as a free agent with the Astros this offseason.