No Run Support For Maholm, Pirates Lose To Astros 3-2

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

After leaving beautiful San Diego with two wins over the Padres, our Pirates returned to rainy Pittsburgh for a three game set with the Houston Astros.  After a successful 4-2 road trip, fans had much to be excited about as the Buccos were only one game under .500 coming into tonight’s game.  Paul Maholm got the start for Pittsburgh, while Wandy Rodriguez took the mound for Houston.

Maholm pitched well tonight, going seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out four and walking three.  The only run he gave up tonight occurred during a rocky first inning that included two walks.  Unfortunately for Paul, he once again was unable to get any run support from his offense and the bullpen was not capable of holding a lead.

The Pirates tied the game in the fifth inning when Brandon Wood doubled to left field, scoring Lyle Overbay.  Neil Walker gave Pittsburgh the lead in the seventh with a  solo homerun, his fourth of the year.  With a one run lead, the Bucco bullpen was given the task of holding on to the win for Maholm and the Pirates.

Chris Resop came in and was shaky from the get-go.  He walked the first batter Michael Bourn, who then stole second base to put himself in scoring position.  The very next batter, Hunter Pence, doubled to tie the game.  This ended Resop’s night and brought Jose Veras out of the bullpen.  Veras didn’t do much better, as the first batter he faced doubled home Pence to give the Astros their final run of the night and the nail in coffin as Houston went on to win 3-2.

With six outs left to score one run to tie the game, the Pirates sent seven men to the plate and only got a single out of that.  Tonight was a frustrating loss.  Lack of offense and bad bullpen support doomed Pittsburgh tonight.  We also saw Houston take advantage of the Pirates’ inability to throw out base runners, as the Astros tallied three stolen bases.  The only good thing was that Maholm was not shelled with another loss in a game that he clearly did enough to win.

Pittsburgh will try to get their winning ways at home started tomorrow as Charlie Morton will start for the Pirates.  Be sure to check out Fans From The Stands for pre and post game videos along with a post-game wrap up.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Record Vs. Astros: 0-1

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 7-6

Record At Home: 4-9

Overall Record: 15-17

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!