PITTSBURGH – Brett Wallace had three hits, including a three-run homer, to lift the Houston Astros past the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Monday.
Edgar Gonzalez (1-0) picked up his first victory as a starter in more than four years, giving up a run on five hits in 5 1-3 innings as the Astros won for just the third time since interim manager Tony DeFrancesco took over two weeks ago. Gonzalez struck out five and walked just one.
Jeff Locke (0-1) ran into trouble early and never recovered as the Pirates dropped their fourth straight. Locke surrendered five runs in five innings to remain winless in five big league starts.
Garrett Jones had three hits for the Pirates, who failed to come through at the start of an important six-game homestand that could determine whether they stay in the National League wild card race.
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