The Houston Astros upset the Pirates, 5-1, on Monday in Pittsburgh. The game was highlighted by a three-run bomb by Brett Wallace. The first baseman recorded three hits on the day and got help from shortstop Tyler Greene, who scored three runs as the Astros improved their eye-sore of a record to 42-93.
Pittsburgh's record dropped to 70-64 on the season. Houston put up seven hits and five earned runs on Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locke, who lasted five innings. Astros starting pitcher Edgar Gonzalez lasted 5.1 innings while giving up five hits and one earned run.
The Astros were quick to get on the board, loading the bases in the first inning with no outs. After a fielder's choice, a Matt Downs sacrifice allowed Greene to score from third. Greene was driven home in similar fashion during the third inning by Justin Maxwell, and Wallace hit his three-run shot in the top of the fifth to give the Astros a 5-0 advantage.
The Pirates responded in the bottom of the fifth, when Clint Barmes's single scored Pedro Alvarez from third. They wouldn't score again in the opener of this three-game series.
Garrett Jones had three hits for the Pirates.
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