Pittsburgh at Houston

After eight consecutive brilliant outings of allowing just two runs or less, Roy Oswalt has struggled in his last two. Oswalt has yielded 19 hits in just 12.2 innings along with nine runs. Houston has lost 9 of 11, and most recently they have gone just 1-7, and in those eight games have scored just 19 runs topping three just once. Oswalt could pitch a great game, and the win could still be in doubt. The Pirates have won three of four and 6 of 10, and in those ten games scored double digits twice and also had two shutouts, so they have been getting it from both sides. Ian Snell has had success against this Astros’ lineup. He has worked just 12 innings this season against them, allowing two and three runs respectively and has struck out 19! Looks like a Houston team playing out the string with a good pitcher that has hit a rough spot with a lineup that can't score. We will ride the Pirates in this one.