Hunter Pence's solo homer in the eighth inning gave the visiting Houston Astros a 4-3 victory over the struggling New York Mets on Wednesday.

The Astros (7-11) guaranteed their first series win of the season, and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Pence broke a 3-3 tie with his shot off starter R.A. Dickey (1-3), and Houston reliever Jose Valdez tagged out the potential tying run at the plate in Angel Pagan in the bottom of the eighth to help secure the victory.

Jose Reyes had a season-high four hits for the Mets (5-13), who left nine men on base and fell to a major league-worst 1-8 at home.

Dickey (1-3) allowed four earned runs on eight hits and struck out four in eight innings.

Houston starter Bud Norris gave up three earned runs on 10 hits and struck out six in six innings. Mark Melancon (2-1) picked up the win with one scoreless inning of relief.

Reyes led off the ninth with a single, but was doubled off first after Josh Thole popped up a sacrifice bunt attempt to pitcher Brandon Lyon. Reyes didn't appear to be aware that second baseman Matt Downs was sneaking in to take the throw from Lyon.

David Wright flied out to end the game as Lyon earned his fourth save.