MLB: Houston 9, Pittsburgh 1

HOUSTON, June 5 (UPI) -- Carlos Lee hit a grand slam homer during Houston's seven-run sixth inning Friday, powering the Astros to a 9-1 whipping of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh had a three-game winning streak snapped and once again failed to mount an attack against Houston starter Mike Hampton (4-4) -- who has won nine straight decisions against the Pirates in a span stretching over nine seasons. He coasted in Friday's game by allowing a run on five hits in seven innings. Hampton threw just 89 pitches and did not walk a batter.

Houston had just a 2-1 lead going into the sixth, but scored seven times in that inning with the help of four walks.

Pittsburgh starter Jeff Karstens (2-3) walked Lance Berkman and Edwin Maysonet and both runners scored on a triple by Humberto Quintero. Hampton then helped his own cause with a sacrifice fly, clearing the bases with two out.

Michael Bourn kept the inning going with a double and reliever Evan Meek walked Jeff Keppinger and Hunter Pence to load the bases. That brought up Lee, who looked at a strike before hitting his 10th homer of the season.