The Houston Astros<\/a> defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Trailing by four runs entering the eighth inning, the Astros erupted for six runs and reclaimed the lead behind timely hitting from Cam Smith<\/a>, Christian V\u00e1zquez<\/a>, Yordan Alvarez<\/a>, Christian Walker<\/a>, and Isaac Paredes<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros threatened in the first inning when Jeremy Pe\u00f1a<\/a> doubled and advanced to third base. However, the Pirates escaped the inning without allowing a run.<\/span><\/p>\n Neither team scored through the first two innings before the Astros broke through in the third. Nick Allen<\/a> opened the frame with a bunt single, Pe\u00f1a 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.<\/span><\/p>\n The Pirates answered in the fourth inning. After Marcell Ozuna<\/a> singled and Jhostynxon Garcia<\/a> reached on a hit-by-pitch, Jared Triolo<\/a> drew a walk to load the bases. Henry Davis<\/a>, up next, launched a grand slam to left field, giving the Pirates a 4-2 advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros cut into the deficit during the fifth inning. Pe\u00f1a and Alvarez collected consecutive singles before Cam Smith delivered an RBI single, making it a one-run game.<\/span><\/p>\n The Pirates added to their lead in the sixth. Oneil Cruz<\/a> walked and eventually scored on an RBI single from Triolo. The Pirates continued their offensive surge in the seventh when Nick Gonzales<\/a> connected on a two-run homer. Later in the inning, Jhostynxon Garcia added an RBI double, pushing the lead to 8-3.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Then the Astros delivered their biggest rally of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n After two quick outs, Allen doubled to start the rally. V\u00e1zquez followed with an RBI double before Pe\u00f1a walked. Alvarez lined an RBI single, and Walker added another run-scoring hit. A wild pitch allowed Zach Cole<\/a> to score and tie the game at 9-9.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Josh Hader<\/a> took the mound in the ninth inning and recorded the final outs to secure the victory for the Astros.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros scored six runs with two outs in the eighth inning, flipping a four-run deficit into a two-run lead.<\/span><\/p>\n Smith drove in three runs, including the go-ahead two-run triple that proved to be the game-winning hit.<\/span><\/p>\n Eight different Astros reached base, and the club collected key hits in multiple innings to stay within reach before the late rally.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros carried a two-run lead into the fourth inning before Henry Davis changed the game with a grand slam.<\/span><\/p>\n The Pirates scored seven runs between the fourth and eighth innings and forced the Astros to play from behind most of the night.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros stranded Pe\u00f1a at third base in the first inning and missed additional chances to add to their lead before the comeback.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros continue their series against the Pirates on Thursday at Daikin Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Central.<\/span><\/p>\n The Pirates are expected to start right-hander Jared Jones<\/a>, 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<\/a>, who carries a 3-3 record, a 2.57 ERA, and 43 strikeouts.<\/span><\/p>\nAstros \u2013 Pirates Game Summary<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Went Right for the Astros<\/b><\/h3>\n
The Eighth Inning<\/b><\/h4>\n
Clutch Hitting from Smith<\/b><\/h4>\n
Offensive Production<\/b><\/h4>\n
What Went Wrong for the Astros<\/b><\/h3>\n
The Fourth Inning<\/b><\/h4>\n
Pirates Built a Comfortable Lead<\/b><\/h4>\n
Missed Early Opportunities<\/b><\/h4>\n
Quick Hits<\/b><\/h3>\n
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What\u2019s Next<\/b><\/h3>\n
Main Photo:<\/h4>\n