Rally leads to first late comeback
PITTSBURGH — For the first time in 27 games, the Astros fought back and claimed a victory this season when they trailed after seven innings. They did it with National League-style small ball.
Matt Dominguez’s groundout on a fielder’s choice scored Jason Castro, pushing the Astros to a 4-2 11th-inning victory over the Pirates on Saturday in an interleague matchup at PNC Park.
The Astros (12-31) evened the three-game series and improved to 2-3 on their six-game road trip, while the Pirates (2518) saw their four-game win streak end.
The Astros placed runners on second and third with one out in the 11th after a wild pitch. Dominguez bounced a grounder to second baseman Neil Walker, whose throw home failed to beat Castro, who led off the inning with a stand-up double. It was 3-2 Astros and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was ejected after arguing the call by home-plate umpire C.B. Bucknor. J.D. Martinez’s RBI single, scoring Dominguez, gave the Astros a two-run lead and put the ball in Jose Veras’ hands in the bottom of the frame.
Down 2-1 heading into the eighth, the Astros tied the game after Chris Carter singled to left field, driving in Trevor Crowe. Ex-Astro Mark Melancon gave up the liner, with Carter connecting on a 2-0 cutter after runners reached first and third with one out.
The Astros entered Saturday 0-26 when trailing after seven innings.
Astros lefthander Erik Bedard produced his longest outing of the season, throwing six innings of seven-hit, two-run ball. Bedard, who was briefly moved to the bullpen then returned to the rotation, threw 91 pitches (59 strikes) and gave up three doubles.
Pirates righty A.J. Burnett allowed five hits and one run in seven innings, striking out seven and walking four.
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve went 3-for-5 with three singles and an RBI in his return to the lineup. p.m. Pitchers: Lucas Harrell (34) vs. Jeff Locke (3-1). TV/radio: CSNH; 790 AM and 1010 AM (Spanish).
Jake Elmore