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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 04: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Daikin Park on June 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The hope going in was that momentum would continue, propelling the Astros to a series win and consecutive victories. Unfortunately, no one told Ryan O’Hearn and the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates. O’Hearn would be a constant thorn in the side of this rubber match. Pirates 5 Astros 1.
The scoring opened with O’Hearn’s RBI single in the first off starter Kai-Wei Teng. Teng would settle down after a 25-pitch opening frame, but things would begin to unravel in the 6th inning as once again O’Hearn would do the damage, this time blasting a 2-run shot to break things open. The Pirates have now registered home runs in 11 straight contests. Oneil Cruz would do his part, reaching safely in all four of his plate appearances with a pair of hits and walks on the night.
The Astros lone run would come off the bat of Isaac Paredes and a solo shot in the 6th. For Paredes, it would be a small milestone, notching career HR 100. Teng (3-4) took the loss, allowing 7 hits over 5 innings, 4 of the runs earned.
Fortunately, better news is on the immediate horizon with the heightened anticipation of Jose Altuve’s return. Prior to Thursday Night’s contest, Astros Announcer Todd Kalas told me “Altuve brings an immediate presence to the lineup and a jolt to the clubhouse. His ability to get on a heater, could take the pressure off Yordan, Walker and Pena who have been carrying the team recently. He also strengthens the lineup, so you get a recent All-Star in Parades or a potential All-Star in Christian Walker hitting 5th with Altuve in there.”
When #27 returns, (skipping a rehab assignment) he’ll face a “softer schedule” these next two weeks, as the Astros will not face an opponent over .500 until the Guardians come here on June 19th. A’s, Angels, Royals & Tigers have combined to lose just shy of 150 games thus far. Expect to see him potentially as early as this weekend.
Odds & Ends.
The Astros have completed their journey through the N.L. West, compiling a mark of 6 and 9. Three of those six wins came at the expense of the Cubs during a Memorial Day Weekend sweep at Wrigley.
Collin Price made his Astros debut. His first at bat reaching safely on a walk.
Jeremy Pena has now hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games.
With Thursday’s result, the Astros now have 11% odds of reaching the postseason according to MLB’s playoff odds.
Up Next, the Astros host the A’s and pitcher Jack Perkins who enters with a lofty 5.46 ERA. Friday Night’s contest will celebrate Orbit’s birthday.
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