Pirates vs Astros Recap: Pirates top Astros 10-6 in Week 62

The Pittsburgh Pirates rolled into Houston needing a win after falling to the Astros 3-0 the night before. Both teams brought heavy bats to Minute Maid Park. The Astros struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Yordan Alvarez, one of baseball's best hitters, launched a rocket to left-center field. The ball screamed off his bat and soared 363 feet into the stands. Jeremy Peña jogged home ahead of him, and Houston led 2-0 before the Pirates could even take a swing. Pittsburgh's pitcher Bubba Chandler had to settle down quick. The Pirates' bats were hungry though. You could feel the comeback brewing.

Endy Rodriguez answered back in the second inning. The umpire had to review his blast because it was so close to the wall, but the call on the field got overturned. Rodriguez's bomb traveled 383 feet to right-center, and Nick Gonzales raced home. The score was tied 2-2. In the sixth inning, the Pirates' slugger Oneil Cruz stepped up. This 6-foot-7 giant connected with a pitch and sent it soaring 419 feet to center field. O'Hearn and Gonzales both scored on that monster shot. Suddenly Pittsburgh led 5-4. Jake Mangum added fuel to the fire with a bunt single that scored Rodriguez on a throwing error. The Pirates were rolling now, up 6-4 heading into the later innings.

The eighth inning brought the Pirates' biggest punch yet. Brandon Lowe, the veteran second baseman, stepped up with two outs and ripped a fastball 356 feet into right field for a three-run homer. Mangum and Triolo both scored. Pittsburgh suddenly led 9-4 and took full control. In the ninth inning, Endy Rodriguez doubled down the left-field line, bringing Gonzales home. The final score: Pittsburgh 10, Houston 6. The Pirates' record improved to 34-29 after the stunning comeback. The Astros fell to 28-36. Gregory Soto shut the door for Pittsburgh with the save, striking out two batters without allowing a hit. This was a complete turnaround from the night before. The Pirates proved their bats could explode at any moment.