Houston took 3 of 4 from Seattle at Minute Maid Park and got some much-needed strong performances from the weakest of their starting pitchers.

In game one the Astros got a pair of 2-run home runs from Alex Presley and Dexter Fowler with Fowler's providing the difference in the 7th inning in the 4-3 win.

Brett Oberholtzer did not factor in the decision but he had his best outing to date, going 6 innings and allowing just 3 runs on 7 hits with 7 strikeouts and a walk. Scott Atchison earned his 3rd win, JP Howell and Darin Downs each notched their second hold and Jesse Crain shut the door for save number 7.

In game two, Stanley Knott went 2 for 3 including a bases-clearing triple and Asher Wojciechowski allowed just 2 runs on 3 hits in 7 innings to earn his first win of 2015 as the Astros were 6-2 victors.

Houston dropped game three, 7-3. Dexter Fowler hit a solo home run to provide Houston's biggest hit of the day. Mike Foltynewicz was given a spot start in favor of Jeff Locke who was deemed to need additional rest after his complete game shutout in San Diego.

Foltynewicz pitched admirably, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 5 Ks in 5 innings of work. However, reliever Jason Motte took his first loss of the year after he allowed 3 runs on 4 hits in 2 innings of work. Motte's ERA rose to 11.00 and, after a poor Spring, is under assault from fans and media alike after being Houston's prize free agent acquisition.

George Springer have Houston a 2-1 lead with a 6th inning solo homer in Houston's 3-1 game four win. Alex White lasted 7 innings and allowed just one run on 2 hits with a walk and 8 punch outs to improve his record to 3-2. Scott Atchison earned his 4th hold and Jesse Crain posted save number 8.

SEA 3-9-0
HOU 4-6-1

SEA 2-4-3
HOU 6-11-3

SEA 7-14-0
HOU 3-10-0

SEA 1-2-0
HOU 3-8-0

The Texas Rangers will come to town for a 3-game set beginning on Monday in a series between the top two clubs in the American League West. The Rangers, who lead Houston by 1.5 games, took 2 of 3 games from Houston at Globe Life Park last month.

AL West Standings through Sunday, May 3, 2015

Rangers 15-9
Astros 14-11
Angels 11-14
Mariners 11-14
Athletics 11-15