HOUSTON, July 12 (UPI) -- Brian Giles had a two-run single in the first inning and Aramis Ramirez followed with a two-run homer Saturday as Pittsburgh beat Houston, 5-2.
The Pirates snapped a nine-game road skid.
Pittsburgh starter Kip Wells (3-4) allowed two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings for his first victory since May 31. After Scott Sauerbeck got the final two outs in the seventh and Julian Tavarez tossed a perfect eighth, Mike Williams pitched the ninth inning for his 25th save in 30 chances.
Kenny Lofton led off the game with a single off Roy Oswalt (5-5) and advanced to third on a single by Jason Kendall, who extended his hitting streak to a career-high 17 games.
Giles followed with a single that drove in Craig Wilson and Kendall before Ramirez staked Wells to a 4-0 cushion with his 10th home run.
