HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros have fired manager Cecil Cooper. The Astros are 70-79 and have lost seven straight games. Third-base coach Dave Clark will take over as interim manager for the final 13 games this season.

The 59-year-old Cooper was hired on Aug. 27, 2007, to replace Phil Garner. Houston went 171-170 under Cooper, who was the bench coach under Garner between 2005-07.

General manager Ed Wade said a change was needed. He said making the move now will give the Astros a chance to evaluate "other facets of our operation" heading into the offseason.

He said Clark would be considered a candidate during the search for a new manager.