Astros Storm Back Late to Defeat Pirates

Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith of the Astros celebrating a home run against the Pirates

Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images

June 4, 2026

Astros 11, Pirates 9

The Houston Astros defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-9, on Wednesday night at Daikin Park after a six-run eighth inning erased a four-run deficit and completed a dramatic comeback victory.

Trailing by four runs entering the eighth inning, the Astros erupted for six runs and reclaimed the lead behind timely hitting from Cam Smith, Christian Vázquez, Yordan Alvarez, Christian Walker, and Isaac Paredes.

Astros – Pirates Game Summary

The Astros threatened in the first inning when Jeremy Peña doubled and advanced to third base. However, the Pirates escaped the inning without allowing a run.

Neither team scored through the first two innings before the Astros broke through in the third. Nick Allen opened the frame with a bunt single, Peña drew a walk, and Alvarez lined an RBI single into right field. Later in the inning, Paredes added another RBI single to extend the lead to 2-0.

The Pirates answered in the fourth inning. After Marcell Ozuna singled and Jhostynxon Garcia reached on a hit-by-pitch, Jared Triolo drew a walk to load the bases. Henry Davis, up next, launched a grand slam to left field, giving the Pirates a 4-2 advantage.

The Astros cut into the deficit during the fifth inning. Peña and Alvarez collected consecutive singles before Cam Smith delivered an RBI single, making it a one-run game.

The Pirates added to their lead in the sixth. Oneil Cruz walked and eventually scored on an RBI single from Triolo. The Pirates continued their offensive surge in the seventh when Nick Gonzales connected on a two-run homer. Later in the inning, Jhostynxon Garcia added an RBI double, pushing the lead to 8-3.

Paredes brought the Astros within striking distance in the bottom of the seventh. After Alvarez singled, Paredes launched a two-run home run to left field, trimming the deficit to three runs.

The Pirates added another run in the eighth inning on Gonzales’ RBI double and appeared to be in control with a 9-5 lead entering the bottom half.

Then the Astros delivered their biggest rally of the season.

After two quick outs, Allen doubled to start the rally. Vázquez followed with an RBI double before Peña walked. Alvarez lined an RBI single, and Walker added another run-scoring hit. A wild pitch allowed Zach Cole to score and tie the game at 9-9.

Moments later, Smith ripped a two-run triple into right field, bringing home Walker and Paredes to give the Astros an 11-9 lead. The six-run inning completed a remarkable turnaround and sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Josh Hader took the mound in the ninth inning and recorded the final outs to secure the victory for the Astros.

What Went Right for the Astros

The Eighth Inning

The Astros scored six runs with two outs in the eighth inning, flipping a four-run deficit into a two-run lead.

Clutch Hitting from Smith

Smith drove in three runs, including the go-ahead two-run triple that proved to be the game-winning hit.

Offensive Production

Eight different Astros reached base, and the club collected key hits in multiple innings to stay within reach before the late rally.

What Went Wrong for the Astros

The Fourth Inning

The Astros carried a two-run lead into the fourth inning before Henry Davis changed the game with a grand slam.

Pirates Built a Comfortable Lead

The Pirates scored seven runs between the fourth and eighth innings and forced the Astros to play from behind most of the night.

Missed Early Opportunities

The Astros stranded Peña at third base in the first inning and missed additional chances to add to their lead before the comeback.

Quick Hits

Isaac Paredes drove in three, including a two-run home run.
Yordan Alvarez recorded three hits and drove in two runs.
Jeremy Peña reached base three times and scored three runs.
Josh Hader made his first appearance of the 2026 season after returning from injury and earned the save.

What’s Next

The Astros continue their series against the Pirates on Thursday at Daikin Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Central.

The Pirates are expected to start right-hander Jared Jones, who enters with a 0-0 record, a 10.38 ERA, and six strikeouts. The Astros are projected to counter with right-hander Kai-Wei Teng, who carries a 3-3 record, a 2.57 ERA, and 43 strikeouts.