HOUSTON, July 15 (UPI) -- Jeff Karstens threw the second shutout of his six-year career Friday, carrying the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-0 decision over Houston.
Karstens (8-4) faced the minimum number of batters through five innings and all five of the hits he allowed were singles. It was his fifth straight win and he needed only 83 pitches to achieve it.
The only other shutout and only other complete game of his career came three years ago.
The Pirates won for the sixth time in eight games and climbed into a share of the lead with St. Louis for the top spot in the National League Central. Pittsburgh has finished no higher than fourth in its division during this century.
Neal Walker singled in a run in the first inning and Andrew McCutchen tripled home two more in the third. Pittsburgh added an unearned run in the eighth thanks to a fielding error by second baseman Jeff Keppinger.
Brett Myers (3-10) gave up five hits and three earned runs over six innings. He struck out a season-best 11.
Houston's latest losing streak reached five games. The Astros went into the contest having lost nine more games than any other team in the majors.
