Pittsburgh PiratesvsHouston Astros
PIT 9/HOU 11
Things to say
Houston beat Pittsburgh 11-9 at Daikin Park.
01
opener
Astros and Pirates went back and forth all night, Houston finally pulled it out 11-9. Bats were alive on both sides. Bullpens, not so much.
02
key player
The heart of the Houston order did the damage — couple of balls left the yard and the Pirates just couldn't match it late.
03
hot take
Pittsburgh's at 33-29 and they're still giving up nine in a game like this. Their pen is going to cost them by August.
04
deep cut
Pirates manager went to the pen too early — yanked his starter and the middle relief got into nothing but barrels.
05
exit
Astros are still under .500 but they're trending. Curious what they do tomorrow with the rotation.
The recap
Wild one in Houston — the Astros put up 11 on the Pirates in what turned into a slugfest neither bullpen wanted any part of. Pittsburgh's arms got knocked around early and you could tell the manager went to the pen too early, because once the heart of the order came back up, Houston kept making them pay.
The Pirates clawed back to within two and made it sweat, but the Astros had just enough to hang on at home. Ugly box score, fun watch, and a small dent in Pittsburgh's lead in a season where they've otherwise been the better team.