McCullers Jr. Shines in Astros’ Victory Over Pirates
On a night filled with emotions on the diamond, Lance McCullers Jr. pitched six spectacular innings, securing his first victory since 2022. The Houston Astros prevailed over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a final score of 3-0.
McCullers Jr. (1-1) dominated the game, allowing only two hits and one walk, while striking out seven batters. This victory marks a significant milestone for the pitcher, as he hadn’t won since September 21, 2022.
The right-handed pitcher was out of action for the last two seasons due to injuries, and had not achieved victories in his first five starts this year, after being activated from the injured list on May 4.
Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes hit crucial home runs to seal the Astros’ victory.Walker connected on a pitch from the Pirates pitcher, Paul Skenes, sending the ball into the left field stands in the seventh inning to break the tie. It was the eighth home run of the season for the first baseman.
Paredes added a two-run homer in the ninth inning, his 12th of the season, against Dennis Santana’s pitches.
Shawn Dubin, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader finished the job from the mound, pitching one inning each to secure the victory. Hader earned his 16th save of the season.The Astros took the victory in the first game of the three-game series, adding their seventh win in nine games.
The Astros achieved their sixth shutout of the season, while the Pirates have been silenced 10 times in 61 games.
