Full Breakdown
Pirates Top Astros 10-6 in Burrows' First Start Against Former Club
6/3/2026, 1:23:06 PM
Game Summary and Key Performances
On June 2, 2026 the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Houston Astros 10-6 at Daikin Park. Oneil Cruz’s three-run homer in the sixth gave Pittsburgh a 5-4 lead; Brandon Lowe added a ninth-inning three-run blast, and Endy Rodríguez hit his first MLB homer, a two-run shot in the second. Yordan Álvarez recorded three RBI and his 21st homer. Astros starter Mike Burrows (3-7, 5.40 ERA) allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits, five walks and three strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Pirates starter Bubba Chandler (2-6, 4.85 ERA) yielded four runs on five hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Burrows faced the Pirates since a December 19, 2025 three-team trade that sent him to Houston for Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery.
Official Statements & Organizational Responses
The Astros marked Lou Gehrig Day with “4” decals and ALS-awareness tables, and rehired Astros pitching coach Bill Murphy. Houston reinstated LHP Josh Hader and placed IF Carlos Correa on the 60-day IL. The Pirates called three-player return for Burrows a “right decision.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts cited Burrows’ loss of changeup effectiveness and an AL-high 15 home runs allowed, while some questioned keeping Bubba Chandler in the rotation despite a 2-6 record and 4.85 ERA.
On-the-Ground Narrative
Jeremy Pena’s leadoff single set up Álvarez’s two-run homer; Rodríguez’s two-run blast tied the game; Cruz’s six-run sixth inning shifted momentum; errors by Nick Gonzales and Isaac Paredes added runs. Relievers Santana, Dotel and Soto closed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree Burrows allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits; only Reuters noted an AL-high 15 home runs allowed, a detail absent elsewhere.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Endy’s (homer) was a line dive, Cruz’s was an absolute missile like he always does, but it’s just kind of going out there, taking good swings and home runs being the result of a good swing,” — Brandon Lowe, Pirates outfielder
- “To be able to hit the home runs was great,” — Don Kelly, Pirates manager. “Cruz with the three-run, Lowe with the three-run homer, Endy got a hold of that one, too. I thought that throughout the game, our at-bats were great, top to bottom, everyone continuing to grind out the at-bats and keep the line moving.”
- “Baseball’s a game of picking each other up,” — Bubba Chandler, Pirates pitcher. “I came out of the game losing and Oneil Cruz, a good player, comes in there, hits a three-run homer and puts us ahead and puts me in line for a win, which is awesome. But the boys tonight came out swinging. … Team win.”
- “(Chandler) stayed with it, continued to attack the strike zone, got through five innings, 90-some pitches, gave us a chance to win and got the win,” — Don Kelly, Pirates manager
What’s Next
The series continues June 3 with Astros left-hander Spencer Arrighetti (7-1, 1.34 ERA) versus Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes (6-5, 2.89 ERA).
