ATLANTA (AP) -- Cecil Cooper had to admit his lineup against the Atlanta Braves looked different, but the Astros manager correctly predicted the new look would be effective.
Mark Loretta had three doubles and drove in four runs, and with Ty Wigginton batting leadoff the Astros scored four times in the first two inning on their way to a 6-1 win over the Braves.
Cooper started Reggie Abercrombie in place of center fielder Michael Bourn, but the manager said "I like my chances" as he eyed his first two hitters' success against left-handers.
Wigginton (.456 on-base percentage against lefties) walked and scored in a two-run second inning against Braves left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes, helping Houston snap a four-game losing streak.