Framber Valdez threw an 83-pitch complete game in his last start and returns to the mound for the Houston Astros as they end a three-game series in Pittsburgh. Mitch Keller (1-7, 3.73) pitches for Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Houston Astros tonight at beautiful PNC Park in the first game of the series. Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

The Pirates dropped 2 of 3 games at the San Diego Padres, losing 6-4 as +133 underdogs in the Sunday finale with the Over (8.5) hitting. Pittsburgh held an 83.9% win probability, according to ESPN Analytics, leading 4-1 with 1 out in the bottom of the sixth inning Sunday -- but was outscored 5-0 the rest of the way.