Series 35 (of 52) Preview: Pirates Visit Houston (x3)

The Pirates are in town for three against the good guys.

Starting tonight at 7:10 p.m. CT, the Astros will play three games against the Pittsburgh Bucs. Here are the game times and starting pitchers.

Monday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Paul Skenes (6-1, 1.93) vs. Jake Bloss (0-1, 6.94)
Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. CT: TBD vs. Hunter Brown (9-6, 4.00)
Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Martín Pérez (2-5, 5.20) vs. Framber Valdez (9-5, 3.43)

Although Houston and Pittsburgh have played each other often, they now meet only once a season. In this historic series, the Pirates hold a 367-345 advantage, leaving Houston with a .485 win-loss record.

These two now-rare opponents last met at the start of the 2023 campaign, with the Astros winning two of three games and losing only the middle game. In the series finale on April 12, Jose Urquidy (1-0, 2.35) pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks to the Pirates. Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu and Ronel Blanco each followed with a scoreless inning in a 7-0 victory. Corey Julks (1) and Alex Bregman (2) each scored a walk in the win.

I knew he could hit. I like the way he’s worked hard on his baserunning and defense. He stays in center field (while hitting), and you’re going to get a lot of hits if you stay in center field. — Dusty Baker, on Julks

Houston is coming off a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning two before losing the finale on Sunday. In Saturday’s triumph, the Astros blew the Dodgers a five-run lead before the Jets came back to a 7-6 victory on a ninth-inning jack by Alex Bregman (14). Josh Hader (4-5, 3.60) earned the win with a perfect ninth inning. Yainer Diaz led Houston with three hits, including a double, while Jeremy Peña also had a multi-hit game.

It’s a playoff atmosphere. We know we’re playing a really good team like the Dodgers. Our bullpen gives us a chance, we’ve got good at-bats off the bench, we’ve got big hits and the way this team stays focused and united and able to pull through, it’s impressive. — Joe Espada

The Pirates are coming off a three-game series against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, losing twice before winning 6-5 in 10 innings in the series finale Sunday. Tied 2-2 after nine innings, Pittsburgh scored four runs in the top half of overtime and needed it. Aroldis Chapman (3-4, 3.72) got the win in relief. Oneil Cruz (17) homered deep for Pittsburgh.

It seems like towards the end of a game, we’re still in it. It’s 2-1, it’s been a few innings, but the mentality is that something can always happen. We’re always one swing away, so that’s how we attacked and fortunately it worked. — Joey Bart

Ranking

Houston Astros: 55-50, .524, tied for first in the American League West with the Seattle Mariners. Tied for seventh in the American League (with the M’s) and 12th in MLB (with the M’s and New York Mets). Last 10: LWWLLLWWWL. On pace to go 85-77. FG projects to go 86-76 and have a 61.7% chance of making the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 53-52, .505, third in the NL Central, seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Ninth in the National League and 18th in MLB. Last 10 games: WWWLWLWLLW. On track to go 82-80. FG projects 81-81 and has a 14.9% chance of reaching the playoffs.