The Houston Astros closed out their three-game set in Pittsburgh with an emphatic 8-2 win over the Pirates, powered by Isaac Paredes’ two home runs and a stellar seven-inning outing from Framber Valdez. After a rain delay of more than three hours, Valdez struck out and allowed just two runs, extending his personal winning streak to five games.
Paredes broke the game open with a solo shot in the fourth and sealed it with a two-run homer in the ninth, bringing his season total to. Jeremy Peña continued his hot streak at the top of Houston’s lineup, collecting three hits and an RBI. Rookie Jake Melton chipped in with a two-run single, helping the Astros pull away.
For the Pirates, Mitch Keller struggled, surrendering six runs over 1/3 innings as Pittsburgh’s offense again failed to provide much support. Jared Triolo led the Pirates with two hits and two runs scored, but the team managed just five hits and has now dropped four of its last six games.
The Astros head to Cleveland for their next series, while the Pirates will try to regroup as they welcome the Phillies to PNC Park this weekend.
