Maybin delivers another big HR

Outfielder’s blast helps Houston complete sweep.

Cameron Maybin would be hard-pressed to find a better way to cap his first week with a new team.

Maybin hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift Houston past the Seattle Mariners 5-3 on Wednesday night, help- ing the Astros complete a three-game sweep to extend their winning streak to seven.

It was the second consecu- tive winning homer for Maybin, claimed off waivers last week from the Los Angeles start the inning. Jake Marisnick ran for Beltran and advanced to third on Max Stassi’s groundout to short.

Maybin then lofted a 100 mph fastball the opposite way just inside the rightfield foul pole for his ninth home run and second winner in as many nights. Maybin’s two-run homer in the seventh inning Tuesday gave the Astros a 3-1 victory.

“I was just hoping it was going to stay fair,” Maybin said. “It came off big and it stayed straight.”

It was the 10th home run allowed this season in 59⅓ innings by Diaz, who allowed only five in 51⅔ innings last year as a rookie.

“I think I have to tip my hat to Maybin,” Diaz said. “He hit a great pitch.”

Chris Devenski (8-3) pitched the final 1⅓ innings for the win.

Seattle erased a 2-1 deficit with two runs in the sixth off Lance McCullers Jr., activated off the disabled list earlier in the day for his first start since July 30.

McCullers allowed three runs and four hits in 5⅓ innings, striking out four and walking one in a 76-pitch outing.