Indians 4, Astros 1: Scott Kazmir spun seven scoreless innings and Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer to lift host Cleveland to its third straight win.

The Indians scored three runs in the first inning and cruised to remain locked into the second wild-card spot in the American League, just one-half game behind first-place Tampa Bay and one-half game ahead of Texas.

Kazmir (9-9) made the early lead hold up with a dominant outing against reeling Houston, which has lost a season-high eight straight. He yielded just four hits and a walk while striking out 10 to win for the second time in his last eight starts.

Michael Bourn led off the bottom of the first with a double against Houston starter Paul Clemens (4-6) and Nick Swisher singled him to third before Jason Kipnis lifted a sacrifice fly to center field. One out later, Brantley cranked his ninth shot of the year over the wall in right to make it 3-0.

Lonnie Chisenhall hit an RBI single in the fourth for Cleveland, which has won 13 of its last 18 games. Chris Carter homered with two outs in the top of the ninth for Houston.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Clemens gave up four runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. ... Cleveland SS Asdrubal Cabrera had three hits and C Yan Gomes was 2-for-3 with a run scored. ... Astros LHP Erik Bedard opposes Indians RHP Corey Kluber in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.