HOUSTON (AP) - Mark Loretta had a pinch-hit, RBI single in the
eighth inning off Hideki Okajima on Sunday to lift the Houston
Astros to a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Loretta, who played for Boston in 2006, batted for Doug Brocail
(4-3), who earned a victory in relief for the second straight
night.
Jose Valverde shut out the Red Sox in the ninth to earn his 21st
save as the Astros took two of three from the Red Sox in Boston's
first series in Houston.
Josh Beckett, who was born and raised in nearby Spring, Texas,
gave up two runs on eight hits, but took his third no-decision in
six starts.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)