St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - Gabe Gross had the game-winning, pinch- hit, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth as the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Houston Astros, 4-3, in the middle contest of a three-game interleague set.

Doug Brocail was on the hill to close it out in the ninth with the Astros holding a one-run lead, but surrendered a leadoff single to Cliff Floyd. Pinch-hitter Eric Hinske followed with another single, leaving runners on first and second, and pinch-hitter Dioner Navarro was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Gross ended the game with a two-run double on a soft liner to left field, as Brocail (2-3) took the loss.

"Brocail is our guy," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "He's our eighth inning guy, he's a veteran, he knows how to go out and get it done; just tonight it didn't happen."

Carl Crawford and Justin Ruggiano each had two hits and an RBI for the Rays, who have won six of eight overall. Edwin Jackson started, went 6 1/3 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, but didn't factor in the decision. Dan Wheeler (2-3) took the win as he retired the last two batters in the top of the ninth.

"Edwin was very good tonight," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "When he gets ahead in the count he can be devastating. When he gets behind he's like everyone else."

Carlos Lee was 2-for-3 with a solo home run for the Astros, who have dropped nine of 10. Geoff Blum went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in defeat. Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez lasted 5 2/3 frames, but gave up two runs and five hits for the no-decision.

Lee deposited a Jackson fastball over the fence in left field, as the Astros assumed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning.

Tampa Bay answered in the home fourth. Willy Aybar connected on a one-out double and Crawford followed with an RBI triple, tying the contest at 1-1.

Ruggiano worked a 12-pitch at-bat off Rodriguez in the fifth inning, resulting in a home run to left field and a 2-1 Rays advantage.

In the seventh, Lee led off with a single and Blum followed with a double before Hunter Pence lined out. Darin Erstad was intentionally walked to load the bases, and pinch-hitter Mark Loretta drew an RBI walk and the game was tied at two.

Houston jumped ahead, 3-2, in the eighth inning. With one out, Lance Berkman struck out but reached second base as catcher Shawn Riggans threw the ball away. Lee was intentionally walked and Berkman stole third. Blum then grounded into a force, scoring Berkman but rendering Lee out at second.