Bergman Finds He Likes Starting

Sean Bergman pitched six strong innings and Derek Bell doubled and homered to lead the Houston Astros over the San Francisco Giants, 3-1, Thursday night, for their fourth victory in five games.

Bergman gave up one run and eight hits in six innings, getting his first win as a starter since last June 26 against the Dodgers. He spent most of last season in the bullpen.

C.J. Nitkowski followed and finished with three perfect innings for his first career save.

Mark Gardner gave up three runs and six hits in six innings for the loss.

Houston took a 2-0 lead in the first. Craig Biggio led off with a walk and Bell followed with his third homer, giving him 15 RBIs, one short of the major league lead.

San Francisco pulled within a run in the fourth when J.T. Snow singled, took second on Brent Mayne’s infield hit and came around on a single by Rey Sanchez.

Moises Alou’s single and Ricky Gutierrez’s double gave Houston its final run in the sixth.

The Astros are in a stretch where they play 24 of 29 games on the road.