Houston hosts the Pittsburgh Pirates for three games starting tonight.
The Pirates are in town for three against the good guys.
Starting with tonight’s game starting at 7:10 PM CT, the Astros get three games with the Bucs from Pittsburgh. Here are the gametimes and starting pitchers.
Monday, 7:10 PM CT: Paul Skenes (6-1, 1.93) vs. Jake Bloss (0-1, 6.94)
Tuesday, 7:10 PM CT: TBD vs. Hunter Brown (9-6, 4.00)
Wednesday, 7:10 PM CT: Martín Pérez (2-5, 5.20) vs. Framber Valdez (9-5, 3.43)
Although Houston and Pittsburgh used to play each other a lot, now they only see each other once per season. The historical series has the Pirates holding a 367-345 edge, leaving Houston with a .485 win-loss record.
These two now infrequent foes last met near the beginning of the 2023 campaign, with the Astros taking two-of-three and losing only the middle game. In the series finale, on April 12, Jose Urquidy (1-0, 2.35) pitched six shutout innings, allowing two hits and three walks to the Pirates. Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu, and Ronel Blanco each followed with a shutout inning in a 7-0 victory. Corey Julks (1) and Alex Bregman (2) each went deep in the win.
I knew he could hit. I like the way he has worked hard on his baserunning and defense. He stays in the center part of the field [while hitting], and you’ll get a lot of hits if you stay in the center part of the field. — Dusty Baker, on Julks
Houston just completed a three game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning twice before losing the finale on Sunday. In Saturday’s triumph, the Astros spotted the Dodgers a five-run headstart before turning on the jets for a comeback, walkoff 7-6 win on an Alex Bregman (14) leadoff jack in the ninth. Josh Hader (4-5, 3.60) earned the win with a perfect ninth. Yainer Diaz led Houston’s offense with three hits, including a double, while Jeremy Peña also had a multihit game.
The atmosphere feels like a playoff atmosphere. We know we’re playing a really good team like the Dodgers. Our bullpen giving us a chance there, big at-bats off the bench, big hits and how this team stays collected and unified and able to come through, it’s impressive. — Joe Espada
The Pirates just finished a three-game set against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, losing twice before coming away with a 6-5, 10-inning win in the series finale on Sunday. Tied at two after nine innings, Pittsburgh scored four in the first half of the extra frame, and needed every bit of it. Aroldis Chapman (3-4, 3.72) got the win in relief. Oneil Cruz (17) went deep for Pittsburgh.
Seems like, late in a game, we’re always right there. It’s 2-1, it’s been dead a few innings, but the mentality is always something can happen. Always one swing away, so that’s kind of how we attacked it and luckily it worked out. — Joey Bart
Standings
Houston Astros: 55-50, .524, first in the AL West, tied with the Seattle Mariners. Tied for seventh in the American League (with the M’s) and 12th in MLB (with the M’s and the New York Mets). Last 10: LWWLLLWWWL. On pace for 85-77. FG projects an 86-76 record and a 61.7 percent chance at reaching the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Pirates: 53-52, .505, third in the NL Central, seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Ninth in the National League and 18th in MLB. Last 10: WWWLWLWLLW. On pace for 82-80. FG projects an 81-81 record and a 14.9 percent chance of reaching the postseason.