Austin Riley hit a three-run homer Friday night for the surging Atlanta Braves, who beat the visiting Houston Astros 6-2 in the first game between the clubs since last October's World Series.
The Braves, who beat the Astros in six games to clinch their first title since 1995, have won 10 of their last 11 games. Atlanta played Friday fewer than 24 hours after outfielder Marcell Ozuna was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.
The Braves entered Friday 3 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the National League East.
The AL West-leading Astros lost for just the third time in nine games.