Brandon Lyon’s throwing error gives Dodgers 6-3 win over Astros

Lyon’s throwing error gives Dodgers 6-3 win

HOUSTON — Reliever Brandon Lyon’s threw away a bunt for a tiebreaking two-run error in a three-run ninth inning, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-3 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.

Dodgers manager Joe Torre was ejected in the first inning by plate umpire Paul Emmel. Torre complained from the dugout after Casey Blake was called out on strikes, then left the dugout following the ejection to speak with Emmel.

With the score 3-3, Trent Oeltjen singled off Lyon (6-6) and Reed Johnson reached on a bunt single down the first-base line.

A.J. Ellis bunted, and Lyon picked up the sacrifice, then hesitated and threw wildly to first as two runs scored. Ellis went to third on the error and scored on pinch-hitter James Loney’s double.

Kenley Jansen (1-0) pitched a perfect eighth inning to win his first major league decision in his 18th appearance.

Dodgers starter John Ely, recalled Monday from Triple-A Albuquerque, made his first big league appearance since July 10 and allowed three runs and six hits in six innings with four strikeouts and one walked.

Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez gave up three runs and five hits in seven innings, matching his season high by striking out 10 for the third time.

Blake’s 15th homer, and run-scoring singles by Johnson and Ellis put the Dodgers ahead in a three-run fourth.

Michael Bourn tripled in the fourth and scored in Jeff Keppinger’s single. Brett Wallace homered leading off the sixth, and Bourn’s RBI groundout tied it.

Notes: Dodgers Triple-A Albuquerque manager Tim Wallach will spend the remainder of the season as a coach with the Dodgers. … Torre’s ejection was his second this season and his fourth as Dodger’s manager. … Former Astros C Brad Ausmus is to start against his old team in Sunday’s series finale.