NEW YORK – Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer, Brandon Backe brought his best stuff to the mound and the Houston Astros roughed up John Maine early in their 8-3 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday night.

Berkman finished with three hits and drove in four runs, finally figuring out the Mets in his fifth try against them this season. He’d been 2-for-15 and hadn’t driven in a run, leaving three stranded in New York’s 3-0 win Friday night.