Brian Moehler struck out eight over six innings Wednesday and played a key role a six-run Houston fourth that boosted the Astros past San Diego 7-1.

Moehler (5-4) held the Padres to a run on four hits before turning things over to the bull pen in the seventh. He has lost just once in his last seven starts.

The Astros took control when they sent 10 men to the plate in the fourth. Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Geoff Blum and Kazuo Matsui all had RBI singles before Moehler came to the plate with the bases loaded and two out.

Moehler hit a grounder to third baseman Chase Headley, but his throw to first was wild and two unearned runs scored to give Houston a 6-1 lead.

The loss went to Walter Silva (0-2), who gave up six runs in a four-inning stint.

San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who strained his right knee in Tuesday's victory over the Astros, was in the lineup Wednesday and went hitless in three at bats. He has appeared in 284 consecutive games, the longest current streak in the majors.