PITTSBURGH, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Lance Berkman drove in both runs Thursday afternoon as Houston edged the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-1.
Willy Taverez scored the Astros' runs. Houston was held to five hits overall, but was able to remain two games in front of Philadelphia in the battle for the National League wild-card berth. Winning pitcher Brandon Backe (10-8) yielded one run and only two hits in seven innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out six. Brad Lidge rang up his 38th save.
Losing pitcher Zack Duke fell to 6-2 with his second straight setback.
Pittsburgh outfielder Jason Bay went hitless in four at-bats and had his 14-game hitting streak broken. It was the longest hitting streak by a Pirate this season.
Pittsburgh infielder Freddie Sanchez has hit in eight straight games.
