White’s 2-run HR in 8th lifts Astros over Giants 2-1

By GIDEON RUBIN

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Tyler White hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros pulled off a late rally for the second straight game, beating the San Francisco Giants 2-1 on Tuesday.

The win followed the Astros’ 3-1 victory Monday night in which Marwin Gonzalez hit a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth.

This time, the AL West leaders again trailed 1-0 when Gonzalez doubled and White hit a high, arching shot to left field off Ray Black (1-1).

Houston has hit 13 home runs in its last eight games. The Astros have won six of seven and the Giants have lost four of five.

Joe Smith (4-1) struck out the only two batters he faced in the seventh for the win. Hector Rondon pitched a scoreless ninth for his 13th save in 16 tries.

Astros starter Dallas Keuchel gave up one run and three hits in six innings, striking out five and walking two.

Giants starter Madison Bumgarner pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and three walks while striking out seven. He is 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA in six career starts against Houston.

The Giants scored in the second on a single by Chase d’Arnaud. He left the game in the fourth with a bruised left knee after fouling a ball off himself.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Giants: 1B Brandon Belt, on the DL with a hyperextended right knee since July 26, is ramping up baseball activities and could be activated for next week’s series opener against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Monday, manager Bruce Bochy said.

UP NEXT

Astros: After a day off, the Astros and RHP Justin Verlander (11-6, 2.19 ERA) will open a series at home against Seattle. He has won just two of his last eight starts, posting a 3.54 ERA over that stretch.

Giants: LHP Andrew Suarez (4-7, 4.60) with make his 20th career start Thursday in a series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home.

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