PITTSBURGH, PA – June 5, 2025 – The Houston Astros’ offense erupted for eight runs, powering them to an 8-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates last night at PNC Park. The decisive win secured the series victory for the Astros as they concluded their three-game set in Pittsburgh.
Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (6-4) earned the win, continuing his strong run by pitching seven strong innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks, while striking out a season-high 11 batters. For the Pirates, Mitch Keller (1-8) took the loss, giving up six runs (all earned) on eight hits over 6.1 innings.
The game began after a lengthy rain delay, finally getting underway at 10:02 PM CDT.
The Pirates actually drew first blood in the bottom of the third inning when Oneil Cruz hit an RBI groundout, scoring Jared Triolo and putting Pittsburgh up 1-0.
However, the Astros responded emphatically in the top of the fourth. Isaac Paredes blasted a solo home run to left field, his 13th of the season, tying the game at 1-1. The Astros weren’t done, as Cam Smith hit an RBI single, and Jacob Melton followed with a crucial two-run single, marking his first career MLB RBIs. By the end of the inning, the Astros had put up a four-spot, taking a 4-1 lead.
The Pirates cut into the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Oneil Cruz hit an RBI single, making it 4-2.
But the Astros pulled away in the later innings. In the top of the seventh, Jeremy Peña hit an RBI double, and Jose Altuve followed with a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 6-2.
The Astros put the game out of reach in the top of the ninth with two more runs, including Isaac Paredes’ second home run of the game, a two-run shot (his 14th of the season), making the final score 8-2.
Valdez’s strong outing, combined with multi-hit games from Jeremy Peña (3-for-5, 2 2B, RBI, 2 R), Isaac Paredes (2 HR, 3 RBI), and Jacob Melton (2-for-4, 2 RBI), ensured the Astros’ victory.
The convincing win improved the Astros’ record to 34-28, giving them their second consecutive road series victory.
