PHOENIX -- The Astros got homers from Luis Valbuena and Chris Carter and used five relief pitchers to overcome a rough outing by starter Scott Kazmir and outlast the Mariners, 7-6, in the series finale Wednesday night at Safeco Field.
With the win, the Astros jumped ahead of the Angels and back into the second Wild Card spot. They lead the Angels by a half game with three games remaining. The Angels have four games left against the Rangers, whose magic number to clinch the division is two. The Twins are 1 1/2 games back of the Astros in the Wild Card race.