Sports

Jones, Walker homer, Pirates beat Astros 11-2

Posted: 7:19 PM Jul 2, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Garrett Jones and Neil Walker hit back-to-back homers off the right-field foul pole to ignite Pittsburgh's offense and the Pirates beat the Houston Astros 11-2 on Monday night.

James McDonald pitched seven effective innings for Pittsburgh, which won for the fifth time in six games.

Limited to one hit over the first three innings by Jordan Lyles, the first five Pirates of the fourth inning had hits, highlighted by Jones' two-run homer and Walker's solo shot.

Each clanged off the right-field foul pole, Jones' on a line drive and Walker's a high fly.

Jones finished the game with four hits and four RBIs, and Andrew McCutchen also went 4 for 5 for the Pirates, whose 16-5 home record since May 12 is the best in the majors.