MLB Season Review: Pittsburgh Pirates edge out Houston Astros 2-1 in three-game series
National League’s Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros fought it out in a thrilling three-game series. Pirates were amazing and did an outstanding job as they completed a 2-1 victory in the series after thrashing the Astros comfortably.
Let us take a look at an overview of these games and see how the Pirates dominated the Astros.
Game 1 – May 6: Houston Astros 3 – Pittsburgh Pirates 2
Astros managed a 3-2 win in the series starter, as Wandy Rodriguez was impressive with his pitching. He had four strike-outs with an ERA of 4.00 in the Astros convincing victory. Neil Walker commented on Rodriguez and said, "He was locating his fastball
to both sides of the plate and had a good over-the-top curveball. He did a good job."
Pirates were unable to score any run in the opening game. Paul Maholm threw beautifully for Pittsburgh but that was not adequate to secure a win for his team. He was able to strike-out only four batters on his 97 pitches and permitted five hits with one
earned run.
Game 2 – May 7: Houston Astros 1 – Pittsburgh Pirates 6
During the second game, Pirates defeated the Astros 6-1. Pirates’ starter, Charlie Morton threw the ball in good line as he pitched just over seven innings and surrendered only one walk and seven hits on his 94 pitches. Morton had five strike-outs with an
ERA of 3.13.
Speaking to reporters, Morton said, “When my mechanics are right, I can throw all my pitches for strikes. Not just the sinker, but the curveball and the changeup and everything.”
Astros were belligerent with the bat and were able to yield only one run until the end of the game. Bud Norris had a shaky day with the ball as he threw just seven innings with an ERA of 3.16 and gave away seven hits and three runs with nine strike-outs
on his 97 pitches.
Game 3 – May 8: Houston Astros 4 – Pittsburgh Pirates 5
During the final game of the series, Astros lost 5-4. Pirates’ catcher Ryan Doumit shined as he struck three RBIs and went 1-for-3 with an average of .263. Pirates’ starter, James McDonald pitched just six innings and allowed only two walks and three hits
including eight strike-outs.
Astros were able to contribute just four runs in the series climax and failed to take over the Pirates. Astros’ starter, J.A. Happ pitched six innings and gave away two runs, six hits and two earned runs including three strike-outs on his 98 pitches. However,
a collective effort kept the Pirates on top against the struggling Astros throughout the series. The Pirates managed to dominate the Astros during the series.
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