Pittsburgh @ Houston preview
Minute Maid Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 5, 2012 ) Houston 0, Pittsburgh 2
The Pittsburgh Pirates attempt to duplicate a feat they accomplished earlier this month as they kick off a 10-game road trip Thursday with the opener of a four-game series against the woeful Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Pittsburgh swept a four-game set against the Astros at PNC Park from July 2-5, outscoring Houston 27-13 in the process. The Pirates, who have won six of eight overall, salvaged the finale of a three-game home set on Wednesday to remain 2 1/2 games behind Cincinnati in the National League Central.
While Pittsburgh - which occupies one of the two wild-card spots in the NL - continues its quest for a postseason berth, Houston is just looking for a victory. The Astros have lost nine consecutive contests and 22 of 24 en route to a major league-worst 34-65 record. The club, which has dropped five of six at home, has allowed a total of 50 runs over its last six overall contests.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Root Sports (Pittsburgh), FSN (Houston), MLB Network
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (11-3, 3.59 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 4.03)
Burnett posted his 10th win in 11 decisions Saturday, when he held Miami to one run and eight hits over 7 2/3 innings. The 35-year-old has struggled on the road a bit this season, going 4-3 with a 6.30 ERA in seven starts. Burnett has not fared well against Houston over his career as he is 2-5 with a 5.37 ERA in nine outings.
After beginning his career with three strong starts, Keuchel faltered in his last two, including a loss at Arizona on Saturday in which he surrendered seven runs and seven hits over just 3 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old has allowed 11 runs in nine innings over his last two outings after yielding a total of three runs over 20 innings in his first three starts. Keuchel gave up four runs over 5 2/3 frames in a loss at Pittsburgh on July 4.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros RHP Francisco Cordero is 0-2 with two blown saves in three appearances since being acquired from Toronto on Friday.
2. The Pirates have not announced when LHP Wandy Rodriguez will make his debut with the club, but he could start against his former club on Saturday. Rodriguez was acquired from Houston on Tuesday, one day after starting for the Astros.
3. Houston LF J.D. Martinez returned to the starting lineup in Wednesday's loss after missing three games and went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Martinez was injured when he crashed into the wall at Chase Field on Saturday.