PITTSBURGH - After waiting out the rain, the Houston Astros won a series behind a surging starter. Framber Valdez spun seven strong innings. An offense shut out a night earlier stirred. And the Astros won 8-2 in the rubber game of a series against the Pirates on Thursday at PNC Park.

Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings, Isaac Paredes homered twice, and the Houston Astros beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-2 after a lengthy rain delay.

Framber Valdez struck out a season-high 11 over seven innings and Isaac Paredes hit two home runs to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-2 win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates in a game that began late Thursday night after a 3-hour,