Pittsburgh @ Houston preview
Minute Maid Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 22, 2012 ) Pittsburgh 1, Houston 4
What once was so promising has essentially disintegrated into yet another painful memory in the Steel City. It wasn't too long ago that the Pittsburgh Pirates were entertaining thoughts on the postseason, but losing 30 of 41 games has effectively thrown a monkey wrench into the mix. Instead, the visiting Pirates will settle for snapping a five-game losing skid when they conclude a three-game set versus the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Jason Castro belted a three-run homer in the seventh inning to snap a tie as the Astros went on to post a 4-1 triumph on Saturday. The setback likely ended even the most optimistic fan's beliefs for the Pirates, who sit 6 1/2 games behind St. Louis in the race for the second wild card in the National League. Houston continues to relish its role as spoiler, winning 10 of 20 contests in September.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSH (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (15-8, 3.84 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (4-11, 5.40)
Despite pitching well in his last two outings, Burnett has been mired in a four-game losing skid. The tattooed hurler permitted two runs in six innings in each of his last two starts, but fell victim to a lack of run support. Burnett improved to 3-5 in his career versus Houston after tossing 7 1/3 solid innings in a 5-3 triumph on July 26.
Lyles has struggled against the Pirates, dropping all three career decisions. The 21-year-old has allowed 16 runs in three starts against the club this season. Lyles was left with a no-decision in his last outing, yielding four runs on five hits in as many innings against Philadelphia last Sunday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen went 0-for-4 on Saturday to see his season batting average dip to .336. McCutchen has torched Lyles, however, going 7-for-11 with three doubles in his career.
2. Pittsburgh has mustered just 10 runs during its five-game losing skid. The Pirates' two runs this series have come on solo homers.
3. Houston INF Jed Lowrie is riding a seven-game hitting streak, but is just 4-for-21 versus Burnett in his career.