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McCutchen, Wood lead Pirates over Astros

May 8, 2011 - 5:27 AM Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Andrew McCutchen and Brandon Wood both doubled home a pair of runs to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros in the middle installment of a three-game series at PNC Park.

Lyle Overbay belted a solo home run for the Pirates, who have won four of their last six games. Pittsburgh starter Charlie Morton (4-1) held the Astros to one run and seven hits in 7 2/3 innings.

"When [Morton's] on like that, everyone's involved. We played well tonight," Pirates catcher Chris Snyder said.

Bud Norris (2-2) gave up three runs on seven hits and struck out nine over seven full frames for Houston, which has dropped three of four.

Trailing by three, the Astros got on the board in the eighth inning.

Michael Bourn reached on a fielder's choice and scored after consecutive two- out singles by Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee. Jose Veras replaced Morton and Brett Wallace grounded out to second to end the frame.

Pittsburgh tacked on three more runs in the home half, as Wood plated a pair with a bases-loaded double and Snyder scored on a wild pitch.

Overbay went deep to begin the second. The Pirates put runners on first and second later in the inning and McCutchen cleared the bases with a double to center field for a 3-0 Pittsburgh lead.

"I left the ball over the plate to McCutchen," Norris said. "I had a rough second, and they put good swings on bad pitches."

Game Notes

Pittsburgh improved to 5-9 at home this season, compared to an 11-8 record on the road...Morton was 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in four previous career starts against Houston...The Pirates were 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position.