PITTSBURGH, PA – June 3, 2025 – The Houston Astros kicked off their road trip on a high note, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 last night at PNC Park. A dominant pitching performance combined with timely hitting secured the win in the series opener.
Astros right-hander J.P. France (4-2) earned the win, delivering seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out six. Bryan Abreu pitched a perfect eighth, and Josh Hader (16th save) closed it out in the ninth. For the Pirates, Paul Skenes (6-4) took the loss, despite a strong outing where he gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings, striking out seven.
The Astros offense got on the board in the top of the third inning. With runners on second and third, Jeremy Peña hit an RBI single to left field, scoring Jake Meyers and giving Houston a 1-0 lead.
They added to their lead in the top of the fifth. Jose Altuve hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Victor Caratini and making it 2-0.
The final run came in the sixth. After Mauricio Dubón singled and advanced to second on an error, Jake Meyers hit an RBI single to center field, scoring Dubón and extending the lead to 3-0.
J.P. France was in excellent form, consistently retiring Pirates hitters and navigating through their lineup with ease. The Astros defense also played a clean game behind him.
The win improved the Astros’ record to 33-27. They’ll look to continue their momentum in the second game of the series.
