HOUSTON -- Charlie Morton pitched a gem and the Astros held off a late power surge by the D-backs to win consecutive games for the first time this month with a 9-5 victory on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros maintained their 12 1/2-game lead over the Angels in the American League West, while Arizona kept pace with Colorado for a tie atop the National League Wild Card standings, staying four games ahead of Milwaukee.
Morton (10-5) tied a career high with his 10th victory of the season by winning his fifth start in eight outings since being activated from the disabled list.