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Astros' Never-Ending Sixth Inning Sinks Bucs

HOUSTON - AUGUST 30:  Pitcher Charlie Morton #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park on August 30, 2011 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON - AUGUST 30: Pitcher Charlie Morton #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park on August 30, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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That was just grotesque. The Pirates got only four hits and were struck out 11 times, seven of those by the illustrious Henry Sosa, a 26-year-old making his fifth career start.

Charlie Morton racked up strikeouts himself and actually pitched pretty well until the sixth inning happened, and once that thing got started, it just wouldn't end. The Astros found one hole after another, with weakly-hit ball after weakly-hit ball falling in for a hit.

Chris Leroux relieved Morton and actually made some decent pitches, but all he had to show for it was four singles. Then Dan McCutchen came in and gave up a double to Jimmy Paredes that was, at least, an honest hit. The Astros ended up winning, 8-2. It's not as if the Pirates deserved to win, but it could have been a lot closer than that.