Rally falls short as Pirates drop rubber game

PITTSBURGH — Fighting to keep their spot in a crowded American League Wild Card picture, the Astros did exactly what they needed to during a seven-game swing through Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Coming off a series victory over the Orioles, the Astros claimed another over the Pirates with Wednesday’s 5-4 win at PNC Park, their fifth win in six games.

Houston got the best of Pittsburgh right-hander Gerrit Cole, whose monthlong struggles continued with a disappointing five-inning start. Cole allowed five runs on seven hits, the biggest a two-run homer in the second by Astros catcher Evan Gattis. In five starts this month, Cole posted a 6.07 ERA. He was outdueled by Collin McHugh, who allowed seven hits but limited the Pirates to three runs in five innings.

The Pirates’ bullpen put together four hitless innings, but the Astros withstood Gregory Polanco’s RBI triple in the seventh and got the ball to Ken Giles, who pitched a perfect ninth to secure his fifth save. Like Houston, Pittsburgh is trying to gain ground in the Wild Card standings — but the Bucs have dropped five of their last six, falling three games behind the Cardinals in the National League race.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDGatty-bomb: Astros slugger Gattis reached 20 homers for the second year in a row with his two-run shot to center field in the second inning. Gattis has hit …

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