Martinez Hits Grand Slam As Astros Beat Giants 6-3

By: Associated Press

Posted: Thu 5:58 PM, Jun 14, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- J.D. Martinez hit his first career grand slam and the Houston Astros avoided a three-game sweep with a 6-3 win over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

Matt Downs also homered and Justin Maxwell drove in a run for the Astros, who had dropped 13 of their previous 17 - including a 10-0 loss Tuesday night in which Giants ace Matt Cain tossed a perfect game.

Wandy Rodriguez (6-4) went six innings to win his third straight decision, allowing three runs on six hits.

Brandon Belt hit a two-run homer and Hector Sanchez added a sacrifice fly for the Giants, who are 12-5 over their past 17 games.

Giants starter Barry Zito (5-4) lasted five innings, allowing five runs on five hits. He walked three and struck out three in losing two straight decisions for the first time this season.

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