Pirates drop second in a row
Inconsistency was expected to follow the Pirates this season and it has so far. The Pirates have scored 30 runs in their four wins and just eight runs in their five losses.
Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer in the 6th inning off of Sean Burnett to break a 3-3 tie as the Astros rallied to a 6-3 win, Thursday afternoon at PNC Park
The Pirates got off to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning as Nyjer Morgan scored on a Russ Ortiz wild pitch and Adam Laroche doubled to deep center, scoring Nate McLouth.
In the second inning, Nyjer Morgan tripled to deep right center, scoring Jeff Karstens, giving the Pirates a 3-1 lead going into the top of the 3rd but the Pirates would be held scoreless for the remainder of the game
Morgan was one of the Pirates few bright spots going 3-for-5, 1 RBI, 1 run. Morgan extended his hitting streak to 5 games.
Jeff Karsten’s making his first start since March 31st, struggled with his command and lasted 4 innings. Karstens

allowed three runs and four hits while walking five and striking out one.
Third baseman Andy Laroche got his first hit of the season going 1-for-4. Laroche is off to a 1-for-22 start but the team has stated they remain behind Laroche
“One of the main reasons we brought Ramon in was to give Andy a break from time to time when things got tough for him,” Huntington said. “The numbers don’t show it but he is showing good signs.”
Adam Laroche went 2-for-4, 1 RBI and is now batting .294 on the season and the organization is encouraged by his play this season as Laroche is not
Staff ace Paul Maholm (1-0) will take the mound for the Pirates Friday night.
Newcomer Delwyn Young will join the Pirates on Friday.