Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) – Carlos Lee provided an immediate impact in his return to the lineup, driving home the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game series at PNC Park.
Hunter Pence knocked in the other two runs for Houston, which had lost two games in a row. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez (2-3) gave up two runs on five hits over seven innings.
Paul Maholm limited Houston to one run on five hits and walked three in seven full frames, but did not factor in the decision after the Pittsburgh bullpen faltered.
Chris Resop allowed two runs on one hit and one walk, pitching no innings and earning the loss for the Pirates. Bud Norris will take the mound against Charlie Morton on Saturday as the Astros attempt to keep the possibility of finishing the road trip above .500 alive.