Houston Astros fall short against Padres 8-4 - LubbockOnline.com

SAN DIEGO â€" Wandy Rodriguez’s first time through the San Diego Padres’ lineup on Wednesday was perfect.

The second time through was another matter.

Rodriguez struggled in the fourth after retiring the first nine batters, and the Padres scored five runs in the inning to beat the Houston Astros 8-4.

“It’s kind of tough to put your full finger on,” Astros manager Brad Mills said of Rodriguez. “That’s kind of been his Achilles’ heel, being able to stop those from getting started.”

Matt Downs homered twice for Houston, which has lost 14 of 15 games on the road.

Yonder Alonso had two doubles and 3 RBIs, giving him 23 this year and has hit two or more in a game seven times this season, which is a franchise record. Adrian Gonzalez and Tony Gwynn held the previous mark with six each.

“That’s pretty unique,” Alonso said. “It feels good when you’re in the company of those guys. I knew what was going on and the guys on the team were making jokes about it. It’s a cool moment for myself.”

Clayton Richard (7-10) allowed four runs in 8 1-3 innings to snap a two-game losing streak. The left-hander gave up nine hits and struck out two.