Pirates commit four errors, Astros avoid sweep

HOUSTON (AP) — Mauricio Dubon hit a two-run homer, Framber Valdez struck out 10 batters in six innings and the Houston Astros came from behind to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 on Wednesday night.

Dubón entered the sixth inning as a pinch hitter with the Astros trailing 4-3. He hit a 97 mph home run off reliever Colin Holderman (3-2) off the backboard above the left-field seats to give Houston the lead. It was Dubón’s first career pinch-hitter and helped Houston snap a three-game losing streak.

Valdez (10-5) settled in after the second inning and allowed four runs on six hits in six innings for his fifth win in his last seven starts. Josh Hader pitched the ninth for his 21st save.

The Pirates led 4-0, but three errors by shortstop Oneil Cruz allowed Houston to score three runs in the second and third innings. Jeremy Peña scored on a wild pitch after reaching base on a throwing error by Cruz in the second inning.

A fielding and throwing error allowed Chas Mc-Cormick to score from first base in the third inning and Yordan Alvarez to reach third base. He scored on a single by Yainer Diaz.

Pirates starter Jake Woodford allowed three runs, none earned, on two hits and struck out three batters in five innings.

Pittsburgh scored all of its runs in the second inning, including two on Joey Bart’s home run over the railroad tracks in left field.

Pirates hitting coach Andy Haines was ejected in the first inning after questioning a strike call against Andrew McCutchen by home plate umpire Nestor Ceja.

Bryan De La Cruz started in right field for the Pirates and went 2-for-4 after being acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.

TRAINERS’ ROOM Pirates: Outfielder Joshua Palacios (left hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list after leaving Monday’s game.

FOLLOWING

Pirates: Right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz (5-2, 2.75 ERA) will face right-handed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (56, 3.92 ERA) when Pittsburgh opens a three-game series against Arizona at home on Friday.