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Biggio ends memorable day with grand slam in Astros win

Jul 25, 2007 - 5:09 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Craig Biggio is certainly making his final year as a Houston Astro one to remember.

Biggio capped off a six-run sixth inning with a grand slam as the Astros downed the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-4, on Tuesday.

After announcing his retirement earlier in the day, Biggio punctuated the momentous occasion by breaking open a 3-3 tie, jumping on the first pitch he saw from Dodger reliever Rudy Seanez (6-2) with his second grand slam - and fourth career - into the left field seats. Earlier this year, Biggio reached the 3,000-hit plateau in a game in which he collected five hits.

The bases-clearing home run was the team's sixth and put an exclamation point on the Astros' best single-inning scoring output this season, as they emphatically made their way back after trailing, 3-1, entering the frame.

"Emotionally, it was a tough day," Biggio said. "To have this happen is amazing. I still think I'm going to die early with all that has happened this season. I didn't even feel like I was touching the bases as I ran around them. It was just magical. It was a special, special night."

Dodgers manager Grady Little, even in defeat, could not help but admire Biggio's feat.

"It was a special day for (Biggio)," Little said. "I have a lot of respect for what he's accomplished. He's made the difference in a lot of games throughout his career and he made the difference tonight."

Houston manager Phil Garner is more than familiar with Biggio's accomplishments.

"It was about as exciting as it could get," Garner said. "It was vintage Biggio. This year's been a lot of fun with him. He has been the most relaxed I've ever seen him."

Dodgers left fielder Luis Gonzalez - a former teammate of Biggio - was not surprised by the heroics from the longtime Astro.

"It was typical Biggio," Gonzalez said. "It was kind of meant to be for him today. He's a great ambassador for the city of Houston.

"All the things he does on the field and off the field. ... He's been first class his entire career. You think of all the things he and his family have done for the city of Houston. ... It was only fitting that he hit a grand slam tonight. I just wish it hadn't been against us."

Biggio's sixth home run this season made a winner of Jason Jennings (2-6), who ended a personal five-game losing streak. The righthander allowed three runs and three hits, walking two and striking out four over six innings on his way to winning for the first time in 11 career starts at Minute Maid Park.

"I'm making good strides," Jennings said. "I gave up three runs early, but I kept us close. I pitched a lot better after the runs were given up and I gave the offense a chance."

Three relievers effectively bridged the two-inning gap between Jennings and closer Brad Lidge, who worked around a hit and a walk in the ninth and nailed down his fourth straight save after blowing each of his first three save opportunities this season.

After Lance Berkman singled and Carlos Lee doubled to start the rally, Morgan Ensberg's double drove in two runs to tie the game at 3-3. Seanez walked Jason Lane before retiring the next two hitters, but walked pinch hitter Mike Lamb, setting the stage for Biggio's blast.

Jeff Kent homered for the Dodgers, who have dropped four of six contests following a stretch where they won five of six following the All-Star break.