The Astros played a bit of back and forth. It was almost like watching pong, and yes at times was just as thrilling.
Neither team was willing to concede the game. The Astros took the lead early in the game with runs in the 1st and 2nd. The Pirates got a run back in the 1st and tied it in the 3rd. In the top of the 5th the Astros regained the lead, only to cough it back up in the bottom half of the inning. Astros tied it in the 6th and took a three run lead before the inning was over. The Pirates responded by getting a run in the 6th and 7th inning to make it a one run game. The Astros added a two runs in the 9th, to make it a three run game again.
Brett Myers struggled in this start, in the 5th inning it looked like his streak of consecutive starts of going 6+ innings was in jeopardy. He walked the first two batters of the innings, then allowed a run after a sac bunt and sac fly. Pedro Alvarez then doubled to score another run. Brett Wallace then made a nice stop on a John Bowker grounder that was heading down the right field line to help Myers get out of the inning. In the 6th inning Myers got the first two batters out before allowing an Andy LaRoche solo homerun, he'd get out of the inning that being his only blemish.
For the night Myers had 6 IP 6H 6R 5ER 4BB 1SO but came away with the win.
Pretty atrocious, but it was nice to see the offense for once pick up one of the starters. Angel Sanchez and Jeff Keppinger each drove in two runs. Hunter Pence topped them by driving in three runs on three hits as well as scoring two runs. The offense was 8 for 16 with runners in scoring position. Carlos Lee was the only starter not to get a hit going 0-4 with a walk. Even Brett Myers got a hit, who only had one at bat because he sacrificed bunt twice.
Wilton Lopez returned to action after not having pitched since September 10. He pitched the 8th inning allowing a hit, but got out of trouble by inducing an inning ending double play. Brandon Lyon came on for the 9th and record his 19th save of the season.
It was a nice win and something needed after a dreadful series in Washington.