ATLANTA 7, HOUSTON 2

May 1, 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PA SPORTSTICKER NL RECAP (HOUSTON-ATLANTA) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(APNewsNow. Braves 7, Astros 2.)

*Braves beat Hampton, Astros 7-2* =================================

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA(AP) -- Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run homer and drove in another run to help the Braves beat the Houston Astros 7-2, spoiling Mike Hampton's return to Atlanta on Friday night.

Hampton signed with the Astros after six years with the Braves, where he battled a long series of injuries and was able to appear in more than 13 games twice.

Hampton (1-2) drew loud boos in pregame warmups, before each of his two at-bats and as he was removed from the game in the decisive fifth inning. He gave up five hits and six runs in 4 1-3 innings.

Derek Lowe (3-1) allowed eight hits and two runs in 6 2-3 innings.

The game was delayed by rain for 2 hours, 2 minutes after the seventh inning.