Pittsburgh @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 28, 2012 ) Pittsburgh 4, Houston 3

At some point, something has to break right for Houston. The Astros lost their franchise-record 12th game in a row and 16th of their past 17 on Saturday, falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates by one run for the second consecutive game. Six of Houston’s losses during their losing streak have been by two runs or less. The Pirates have won four in a row and continue to push the Reds for the National League Central lead.

Saturday’s victory put Pittsburgh within one game of .500 on the road (25-26), and 10-game winner James McDonald looks to stop a recent spell of giving up homers when he pitches the series finale. Houston counters with Lucas Harrell, who has been outstanding in his past three starts but, like every other Astros’ pitcher, has found wins hard to secure. At 34-68, the Astros have baseball’s worst record and are on a 54-win pace.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, Root Sports (Pittsburgh), Fox Sports Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pittsburgh RH James McDonald (10-4, 3.15 ERA) vs. Houston RH Lucas Harrell (7-7, 4.07)

McDonald tries to bounce back from his first loss since June 15. He took a loss Tuesday against the Cubs, allowing five earned runs on five hits in six innings. McDonald has allowed six homers in five July starts, after giving up only six homers in his first 15 outings.

Harrell has not won in his past four starts dating back to June 27 despite allowing only one earned runs in each of his past three starts. Harrell surrendered seven hits in a no-decision Tuesday against Cincinnati, walking three and striking out six.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh is 52-0 this season when leading after eight innings.

2. McDonald is 3-2 lifetime in eight career appearances against Houston; Harrell gave up five runs in five innings in his only lifetime appearance against Pittsburgh.

3. Houston added INF/OF Steve Pearce to its roster, claiming him off waivers from Baltimore on Saturday.