Ninth-Inning Rally Lifts Cubs

HOUSTON —  Ramon Martinez’s two-run single capped a three-run ninth inning, lifting the Chicago Cubs past the Houston Astros, 4-2, on Tuesday night.

Aramis Ramirez hit a tying, run-scoring single in the ninth off closer Octavio Dotel (0-4), who blew his third save in 15 chances.

Tom Goodwin reached second on left fielder Lance Berkman’s fielding error to lead off the ninth, and one out later Ramirez singled. After Todd Hollandsworth grounded out, Derrek Lee was intentionally walked to load the bases.

Martinez then sent a 3-and-2 pitch to left field, scoring Goodwin and Ramirez for the go-ahead runs. Cub closer LaTroy Hawkins got three outs for his sixth save of the season.

Kyle Farnsworth (1-3) got the win, giving up only one hit in the eighth.

The Astros nearly pulled off the victory by scoring two runs in the sixth off struggling starter Carlos Zambrano.

Zambrano led off the inning by walking Berkman and giving up a double to Jeff Kent. Morgan Ens- berg followed with a single that scored both players, putting the Astros up, 2-0.

But Zambrano forced Wade Miller to pop up to second baseman Todd Walker with the bases loaded, and Ramirez made a great play on Craig Biggio’s hit to third base and threw him out to end the inning.