Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Yuli Gurriel’s RBI single with one out in Houston’s two-run ninth lifted the Astros to a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night. The Astros trailed by 1 when Joakim Soria (0-3) walked pinch-hitter Tony Kemp with no outs in the ninth before advancing to third on a single by pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez. George Springer snapped an 0 for 8 slump and tied it at 3-3 with his RBI single to shallow center field. It was a much-needed hit for the World Series MVP who has been struggling lately, going 6 for 70 since June 15. Justin Verlander bounced back from his last start where he allowed nine hits and five runs _ both season highs _ in a loss to Tampa Bay with a solid outing. He yielded four hits and two runs and struck out 10 in seven innings. Joe Smith (3-1) allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for the win in his first appearance since June 6. Omar Narvaez homered with two hits and Leury Garcia’s solo shot in the eighth inning put the White Sox up 3-2.
