Sports | MLB Backe Pitches Astros Past Marlins Berkman's 2-run homer backs Houston's first shutout of season By Mitch Pritchard Posted Apr 13, 2008 10:01 AM CDT Copied Houston Astros' Lance Berkman, right, races the ball toward home plate and Florida Marlins catcher Mike Rabelo, left, last night. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) Brandon Backe pitched five strong innings and Lance Berkman hit a two-run homer and scored another run, helping the Houston Astros beat the Florida Marlins 5-0 last night. Backe (1-1) gave up five hits and five walks with two strikeouts in 105 pitches. Florida put runners in scoring positions in every inning Backe pitched and came away with nothing, stranding nine runners in all. The Marlins came into the game with the NL's third-best batting average (.274) and their 20 home runs tied with Arizona for the major-league lead. Florida set a team record with six homers in Friday's 10-6 win. But Backe and the Astros' bullpen, which came in with a 5.34 ERA, shut down the Marlins' offense in this one, teaming up for Houston's first shutout of the season. Read These Next Mid That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Cops: Arizona 5th graders drew up plot to 'end' a classmate. The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Report an error