HOUSTON -- Nelson Velázquez clubbed a two-run go-ahead homer in the fourth inning and Cam Smith had a two-run double in the fifth to lift the Astros to their fourth win in their past five games, 6-3, over the White Sox on Monday night at Daikin Park.
The Astros (70-68) improved to 3-1 this season against the American League Central-leading White Sox, while maintaining their two-game lead over the Rangers in the AL West. The reeling Mariners lost their fifth in a row Monday and fell six games behind Houston.
Astros starter Peter Lambert grinded through 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) while walking five batters and striking out six batters.
Velázquez, making a rare start, followed a two-out triple by Smith in the fourth with a no-doubt homer to left field off Anthony Kay for a 3-2 Houston lead. Smith greeted reliever Trevor Richards with a two-run double to left field with the bases loaded to push the Astros lead to 6-2.
The Astros posted their fourth consecutive winning month, going 14-13 in August.