Moehler: Good enough to win.
(c) Associated Press
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If you've got to be eliminated from the pennant race, a walk-off homer against Julian Tavarez is not a bad way to go. That's what Darin Erstad did with one out in the bottom of the ninth to take a 5-4 win over the Atlanta Braves Friday night. Still, Milwaukee's defeat of the Cubs ended any hope of the Astros reaching the playoffs in 2008.
Brian Moehler pitched well enough for a win while the Astros built an early 4-0 lead. But LaTroy Hawkins gave up his first earned run in an Astros uniform to bring the Braves back to within one then Jose Valverde wasted a chance to tie Billy Wagner's club record for saves. Instead, Valverde claimed his sixth win of the season but I'm sure he would have rather earned the save.
Michael Bourn had three of Houston's 12 hits while Humberto Quintero added a pair. Ty Wigginton added a solo homer. The victory put the Astros 11 games over .500 at 85-74.
The weekend series with Atlanta continues on Saturday in a 6:05 Central start. Brandon Backe (9-13) is the scheduled starter for the Astros while rookie James Parr (1-0) will start for the Braves.
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