Braves 2, Astros 1

They still can't hit but at least Javier Vazquez can pitch. Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche hit a homer each as the Braves beat the Astros, 2-1.

Javier Vazquez (AP - David Phillip)

LaRoche's solo homer came in the second and McLouth's came in the fifth. The Braves held the two-run lead through eight, but Rafael Soriano allowed a run in the ninth to cut the lead to one, where it remained.

Javier Vazquez: W (12-9), 7 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 9 K
Mike Gonzalez: H (15), 1 IP, H
Rafael Soriano: S (22), 1 IP, 3 H, ER

Vazquez walked four but only allowed three hits over seven shutout innings. He struck out nine and now has 208 on the season. He cruised through five, giving up just two singles and not walking any, but apparently began getting tired in the sixth, walking three but pitching out of trouble. Vazquez allowed a single and walk in the seventh but again pitched out of trouble in his last inning. Mike Gonzalez allowed a single in the eighth but induced a double play. Soriano gave up a triple to Miguel Tejada, who eventually scored on an RBI single by Hunter Pence. After inducing a double play, Soriano allowed another single before shutting the door.

Nate McLouth, Adam LaRoche: HR

Vazquez actually had two of the team's five hits. The two home runs were the only offense and the team only went to the plate three times with a runner in scoring position.

Notable Astros:
Felipe Paulino: L (2-8), 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

Notable Stat:
Javier Vazquez is the fifth active pitcher with five or more 200-strikeout seasons.

Next Game:
9/8: @ Astros, 8:05 (Derek Lowe vs. Wandy Rodriguez)