(August 20, 2008)--Manny Parra won for the first time since July 20 and J.J. Hardy hit a two-run homer as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Houston Astros 5-2 on Wednesday.

Hardy's two-run shot in the seventh provided the insurance runs that the Brewers needed to preserve Manny Parra's first win in six starts.

Parra (10-6) won 7-4 at San Francisco a month ago, but then lost four straight decisions over the next five starts.

He allowed two runs on six hits, walked four and struck out two over five innings. Salomon Torres closed it out with his 24th save in 29 chances.

The Brewers had lost four of six since an eight-game winning streak. The victory helped them maintain a 2½-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL wild card.