Pirates 3, Astros 2 (12)
Josh Harrison singled in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 12th inning as Pittsburgh took two of three from Houston.
Harrison’s single off Fernando Rodriguez (1-4) scored Clint Barmes, who doubled after Houston pitchers had struck out the previous five Pirates hitters.
Tony Watson (3-0) retired the side in the top of the 12th inning for the win.
The Pirates forced extra innings when Pedro Alvarez’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning scored the tying run, giving Brett Myers his first blown save in 10 chances.
The dramatic ending followed a terrific pitcher’s duel between Wandy Rodriguez and A.J. Burnett, who each tossed eight strong innings.
After giving up a run in the first inning on back-to-back doubles by Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen, Wandy Rodriguez gave up one hit over the next seven innings.
He retired his final 14 batters after allowing Alvarez’s leadoff single in the fourth inning. The starter gave up three hits with seven strikeouts.
Burnett gave up two runs on six hits with no walks over eight frames for the Pirates, who won for the first time in 18 games when trailing after eight innings.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The start of the game was delayed 35 minutes because of rain. ... Pittsburgh concluded its nine-game homestand with a 5-4 mark. ... The Astros have gone nine consecutive games without reaching double digits in hits. ... Astros left fielder J.D. Martinez, who went 0-for-4 after resting the last three games, has one hit in his last 35 at-bats. ... Barmes appeared at first base for the first time in his career in the 11th inning. ... Houston dropped to 0-4 in extra-inning games.