Steven Jackson gave up three runs in 1.1 innings of work over the 7th and 8th innings as the Pirates dropped two of three to Houston. Miguel Tejada delivered a two out RBI infield single in the 7th to break a 3-3 tie. On that play former Pirate Matt Kata scored from second, not stopping on the play since there were two gone. In the 8th, Jackson put two on with one away and was relieved by Jesse Chavez. He allowed run scoring hits to Humberto Quintero and former Pirate Jason Michaels to put Houston up 6-3.
The Pirates scored once and brought the tying run to the plate in the form of Freddy Sanchez in the 9th, but couldn’t come through LaTroy Hawkins.
Ian Snell gave up three runs in six innings. He walked one and whiffed three. Astros starter Felipe Paulino left in the second with a groin issue. He gave way to Russ Ortiz, who tossed 4-1/3 innings of shutout ball. Ortiz was in line for the win but the Pirates scored twice in the visitor’s half of the 7th off of Tim Brydak, setting up Jackson’s ineffective effort.
The Good
Andrew McCutchen logged his first three hit game.
The Pirates defense recorded three double plays, including a strike ’em out/throw ’em out.
Snell was decent. That’s a positive sign.
The Bad
Tough when the bullpen falters.
Ramon Vazquez bobbled Tejada’s grounder in the 7th, allowing
The Rest
This was the 11th career game in which Humberto Quintero had two or more RBI. Three of those are against Pittsburgh. This was his second career three hit game.
Michael Bourn has two hits in five of his last six games.
Jeff Fulchino picked up his first ML win.
Sanchez is in the midst of a 2-18 (and 4-27) streak.
