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Pence helps Astros edge Jays

May 22, 2011 - 8:31 PM Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Hunter Pence's two-run home run in the fifth inning lifted Houston over Toronto, 3-2, in the rubber match of their three-game series.

Brett Wallace knocked in the other run for the Astros, who won their first series since April 29-May 1 when they took two of three from Milwaukee.

Wandy Rodriguez (3-3) earned the win in six innings of work, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks while fanning six in Houston's fourth win in eleven games.

Kyle Drabek (3-3) went six innings and allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three in Toronto's third loss in five games.

Wallace hit an RBI single in the third to score Pence and give Houston a 1-0 lead.

Juan Rivera then tied the game in the bottom half of the inning with a solo- shot to left.

Houston took the lead back for good in the fifth on a two-run homer by Pence. Angel Sanchez singled before Pence sent a ball into the bleachers in left- center field.

Toronto got within a run in the sixth when J.P. Arenciba led off the inning with a home run, but that would be the end of their offensive output.

The Blue Jays would threaten in the ninth, though, when Mark Melancon entered to pitch for Houston. He got two quick outs before allowing an infield single to Yunel Escobar and a double to Corey Patterson. Jose Bautista was then intentionally walked to load the bases, but Aaron Hill grounded out to end the game and give Melancon his third save.

Game Notes

With Bautista's intentional walk in the ninth, he has now reached base safely in 36 of his 38 games this year...Toronto fell to 7-3 in games Drabek has started this season...The teams combined to go 2-for-20 with runners in scoring position and left a combined 20 men on base.