Late rally sparks rare win for Astros

The Astros used two hits, a walk, a stolen base, a Pirates error, and a questionable call to plate three runs in the eighth inning for a comeback win Saturday. Humberto Quintero drove in the go-ahead run with a single up the middle off Pittsburgh reliever Jose Veras.

Michael Bourn added an insurance run with his third hit of the night, a single off Chris Leroux. Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth to notch his first save in over a month. It was a much-needed win for the Astros,who are  now 2-10 in the month of July. Jeff Keppinger gave Houston an early lead with a two-run dinger in the third inning. It was only the fourth longball by an Astro this month. In contrast, Pittsburgh launched three homers against Bud Norris in 5 & 2/3 innings Saturday. Sergio Escalona picked up the win in relief with a perfect eighth inning that included two strikeouts. Wandy Rodriguez takes the mound today as the Astros seek their first back-to-back wins since June 17 & 18 in Los Angeles.