MLB: Houston 2, Chicago Cubs 1 (13 inn.)

Geoff Blum’s third hit Thursday, a 13th-inning RBI single, boosted the Houston Astros to a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Carlos Lee drove in a run with a first-inning sacrifice fly, while Lance Berkman and starter Russ Ortiz had two hits each for the Astros, who also recorded a 2-1 win Wednesday and have won three of four.

The winner, the last of six Houston pitchers, was reliever Jeff Fulchino (2-1). Ortiz yielded three hits in 5 1/3 scoreless innings with three walks and five strikeouts.

Derek Lee’s ninth-inning homer accounted for the only run for the Cubs, who, despite Thursday’s setback, have won eight of their last 12 games against the Astros.

The losing pitcher was Jose Ascanio (0-1). Chicago starter Ryan Dempster surrendered an earned run and seven hits in seven innings.

The Cubs fell to 3-5 in extra inning games this season, while the Astros improved to 3-2.