BALTIMORE — Jackson Holliday hit a three-run double in the sixth inning — Baltimore's second big hit with the bases loaded in less than 24 hours — and the Orioles rallied past the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday.
Colton Cowser kept the decisive rally going by hustling to first for an infield single, and after Tayler Scott relieved Framber Valdez (13-6), Holliday came up as a pinch hitter and snapped a 0-for-20 slide by lining the first pitch to the gap in right-center field.
''Obviously Cowser getting to first right there, sliding in, is what got to that moment,'' Holliday said. ''It's important games. They're a good team. ... Three RBIs in that big of a spot, it's pretty awesome."
Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña homered for Houston, but as good as Valdez was for most of his outing, the Astros gave up a lead for the second straight day.
The Orioles won 7-5 Friday night thanks to a five-run eighth inning highlighted by Anthony Santander's grand slam.
Keegan Akin (3-0) won in relief in his first appearance since returning from the paternity list. Yannier Cano followed Akin with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and Seranthony Domínguez pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save since joining the Orioles late last month.
Valdez allowed three runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out eight with a walk but lost for the first time since June 18. The left-hander was 8-0 in his previous 10 starts.
Baltimore pulled within a half-game of the AL East-leading New York Yankees, who lost at home to Colorado. The Astros remained 4 1/2 games ahead of Seattle atop the AL West.
