Boxscore

The home run derby continued at Minute Maid park and again the Astros were on the receiving end.

For one brief inning, things looked like they might go Houston’s way, when Miguel Tejada hit a solo shot in the bottom of the first to draw first blood. Milwaukee responded–oh, did they respond.

Prince Fielder, Mike Cameron, and Corey Hart all hit shots out of the park to give the Brewers a 5-run second. With Ben Sheets on the mound, that was really all the Brewers needed, although the bullpen made it a little interesting.

The Brewers won the series and seem to have their bats working quite well. Of course, not every game can be played in the homer-friendly Minute Miad, nor can it be played against a team who allows more homers than any other. Still, they look to continue their winning ways when they return home to host the Twins. It’s Kevin Slowey versus Dave Bush at 8:05pm EDT.

As for the Astros, the loss gives them a losing record again. Shawn Chacon looks to get things back on track when Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees come to town at 8:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit hit a two-run home run in the first inning to start Pittsburgh on the right track as they sought to win the series from the Nationals.

And they did, thanks to his 3 for 3 day, along with some help from the bullpen when things got scary in the 6th. The win moves the Pirates back to within one game of .500.

They’ll attempt to achieve long-desired mediocrity today when inter-league play begins again. This time, the Pirates travel to take on the Orioles. Phil Dumatrait goes against Brian Burres at 7:05pm EDT.