Houston 3, Chi. Cubs 2

Brett Myers continued his late-season run of strong performances and got some help from a controversial call as the Houston Astros held off the host Chicago Cubs, 3-2, to avoid a three-game sweep Sunday.

Clint Barmes singled in a pair and J.D. Martinez drove in a run and scored for the Astros, who got all of their runs in the first inning.

Myers (6-13) cruised through the first seven before running into some trouble in the eighth. An error by right fielder Brian Bogusevic was followed by a walk and a sacrifice fly to cut the lead to 3-2.

Carlos Pena fouled off three straight curveballs before getting a changeup just off the plate away and going with it, sending the ball deep to left-center. The ball hit off the top of the netting above the ivy and bounced back, initially ruled a two-run homer.

Replays overturned the call, making it a double and leading to the ejection of Chicago manager Mike Quade.

Mark Melancon came in for Myers and got the final out to preserve the lead and, after a 41-minute rain delay, struck out the side in the ninth for his 18th save.

Myers, who went nearly three months between wins, has won three in a row and has posted a 1.17 ERA over his last four starts.

Ryan Dempster (10-13) took the loss for the Cubs.

• Chi. Cubs will play their next game at home against Milwaukee. The Cubs have a W/L % of .388 after a win and .477 after a loss.
• Houston will play their next game on the road against Cincinnati. The Astros have a W/L % of .333 after a win and .347 after a loss.