Urquidy shines, Bregman homers as Astros drop Pirates 7-0

PITTSBURGH — José Urquidy scattered two hits over six innings, rookie Corey Julks hit the primary dwelling run of his large league profession and the Houston Astros rolled by the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-0 on Wednesday.

Urquidy (1-0) allowed singles by Carlos Santana and Jack Suwinski because the reigning champions took two of three of their first go to to Pittsburgh since 2013. Urquidy struck out two and walked three.

Julks, Chas McCormick and José Abreu had two hits every for Houston. Alex Bregman homered for the second straight recreation, a three-run shot within the seventh that gave the Astros loads of respiration room as Houston bounced again from a walk-off loss to the Pirates on Tuesday by placing a dent in Pittsburgh’s quick begin.

Rich Hill (0-2) labored six environment friendly innings however obtained little assist from his teammates. Signed to a an $8 million, one-year deal within the offseason to supply a younger pitching employees with a veteran presence, the 43-year-old Hill struggled throughout his final begin. Unable to get his breaking stuff that may dip beneath 70 mph, Chicago teed off for seven runs in simply 4 innings of labor.

The 43-year-old took a step ahead in opposition to the Astros, maintaining Houston off stability and counting on his protection to get by. One of his few errors was an 82 mph cutter to Julks within the fourth inning that Julks, a Houston native, turned on and despatched into the left-field bleachers.

Pittsburgh misplaced for the second time in three video games after shortstop Oneil Cruz was misplaced for no less than 4 months with a fractured left ankle.

PHOTOS: Urquidy shines, Bregman homers as Astros drop Pirates 7-0

Ji Hwan Bae, who ended Tuesday night time’s recreation with a three-run homer to proper area within the ninth, walked twice in 4 at-bats whereas taking part in shortstop and taking up Cruz’s spot atop the lineup.

The Astros have been off to a considerably sleepy begin whereas lacking second baseman Jose Altuve, who stays out with a proper thumb damage. Bregman started the season 0 for 18 however is exhibiting indicators of getting his timing again.

A day after accumulating two hits, together with his first dwelling run of the season, Bregman backed it up with an extended drive off Pittsburgh reliever Dauri Moreta for his second homer in lower than 24 hours.

LAYNE EXITS

Plate umpire Jerry Layne left following the third inning after absorbing a foul tip that hit one among his palms.

Brock Ballou, who had been working first base, moved behind the plate.

UP NEXT

Astros: Return dwelling to tackle in-state rival Texas in a three-game set beginning Friday. Luis Garcia goes for Houston (0-1, 7.00 ERA) versus Martín Pérez (1-1, 2.53)