(July 18, 2008)--Hunter Pence drove in the game-winning run with a
double off Bob Howry in bottom of the ninth inning and gave the
Houston Astros a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.

Carlos Lee hit a solo homer and Brian Moehler pitched seven effective innings for the Astros, who have won four of their last five games.

Miguel Tejada led off the Houston ninth with a one-hop, ground-rule double into the seats in right. Pence lined the first pitch he saw from Howry (3-3) to the gap in left center.

Tejada hesitated, then sprinted home, beating the throw from center fielder Jim Edmonds. Pence jumped in the air and pumped his fist at second as the rest of the Astros mobbed Tejada at the plate.

Geoff Geary (2-1) pitched two perfect innings in relief for the win.