Pirates target back-to-back wins in Houston

Tag : 3 Minute

The Pittsburgh Pirates hope to build offMonday's much- needed victory over the Houston Astros when the twoNational League Central members resume a three-game set tonight atMinute Maid Park.
 
The Pirates appeared headed towards a sixth consecutive loss inyesterday's series opener, but the club erupted for seven runs inthe top of the ninth inning to rally for a 9-3 victory. AdamLaRoche highlighted the comeback by belting a tie-breaking two-runhomer with one out in the frame.
 
Jason Bay tied the contest at 3-3 with a solo home run off Astroscloser Jose Valverde, and Xavier Nady followed with a single beforeLaRoche socked Valverde's offering over the left-field wall. Jack Wilson later delivered an RBI single to give the Bucs a 6-3lead, and Freddy Sanchez capped the huge inning with a three-runinside-the-park homer.

Sanchez finished with three hits and four RBI on the evening, whileBay went 4-for-5 and knocked in two runs to add to Pittsburgh's18-hit attack. Reliever Tyler Yates was credited with the win afterholding Houston scoreless in the bottom of the eighth.

Valverde (4-3) was charged with six runs allowed and surrenderedfive hits while recording just one out in the ninth.
Carlos Lee had two hits and two RBI for the Astros, who had wonfour of five coming in. Houston starter Runelvys Hernandez gave upjust two runs on eight hits over an effective 5 1/3 innings.
 
Pittsburgh tries to make it two in a row tonight behind PaulMaholm, but the lefty may have to improve on his previous effortfor that to occur. Maholm struggled through six innings lastThursday in Colorado, allowing five runs on eight hits to sufferthe loss in a 5-3 Pirates' setback.