The Pirates continued their offensive onslaught today, winning 8-7 in Houston. The Pirates scored 8 or more runs for the third consecutive game while completing their first road sweep of the year. Even though today was a third straight Pirate win, Ian Snell is missing and someone else is throwing in his place. Pirate fans cannot help but wonder where we would be this season if Snell and Gorzelanny had continued the success that they had last year.

The Pirates opened in the first frame with a 4 spot thanks to a 2-run home run by Bay, his second in 3 days. Ian Snell kicked in an RBI single as well and things looked very promising for another runaway win for the Bucs. Unfortunately, Snell gave 3 runs right back in the bottom of the first, all starting with a walk of the leadoff batter.

The Pirates continued to score, getting a run in the second inning and the third, but the Astros kept pace with runs of their own in the second, third and the run in the fourth tied the score at 6. Ian Snell lasted only 3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits, walking 3, and striking out 6, while the bullpen consisting of Beam, Osoria, Yates and Grabow gave up only 2 runs over the next 5 innings. Marte, in his new role picked up his fifth save of the year.

The real star of the night was Doug Mientkiewicz, going 4 for 4 with a double and 2 runs batted in, while playing solid defense at third base. The rest of the offensive was provided by LaRoche, Nady, and Sanchez, who all had 2 hits apiece. The 2 hits for Sanchez gave him his third multi-hit game in a row, giving a small indication that adjustments he has made after the break is beginning to pay off.