Pirates Shut Down By Astros, 2-0
HOUSTON (KDKA/AP) -- The Pirates were shut out by the Houston Astros, 2-0 on Wednesday night.
The Bucs drop to 62-74 as they recorded their third loss in as many nights.
James McDonald (8-7) seven hits and two runs over six innings. He struck out eight.
The Pirates were held to just four hits. They struck out seven times.
Houston's J.A. Happ (5-15, 5.71 ERA) lasted seven innings, giving up three hits and striking out six.
McDonald silenced the Astros' bats until the fourth inning when Humberto Quintero and Jordan Schafer got RBIs.
Despite having the worst record in baseball (47-90), the Astros have won five of their last seven overall and seven of their last eight at home.
Houston's other sweep this season was against the Chicago Cubs May 30-June 1.
Happ had his second strong outing since returning from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He didn't allow a runner past first base and walked one.
It was Happ's first major league victory since July 19.
