Valbuena helps Angels end skid with 7-5 win over Astros

By KRISTIE RIEKEN

HOUSTON (AP) _ Luis Valbuena hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh inning and Justin Upton tacked on an insurance run with a solo homer in the eighth, helping the Los Angeles Angels snap a six-game skid with a 7-5 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday night.

It was a much-needed victory for the Angels, who are 4 1/2 games behind Minnesota for the second AL wild card.

The Astros used a four-run third inning to lead 4-1. Brandon Phillips pulled the Angels closer with a solo homer in the fourth before they tied it in the fifth by scoring on back-to-back bases-loaded walks.

Valbuena hit his bases-loaded, go-ahead double with no outs off Chris Devenski (8-5), making it 6-4.

Keynan Middleton (6-1) pitched a scoreless sixth for the win and Blake Parker struck out one in a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

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