Astros 1, Pirates 0: Bud Norris pitched six shutout innings and Brett Myers improved to 9-for-9 in save opportunities as visiting Houston edged Pittsburgh.

Norris (3-1) allowed just three hits and no walks, matching his season high with eight strikeouts. The right-hander escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the sixth to win his second straight start for the first time since June 8 of last season.

Brian Bogusevic singled, moved to third on a base hit by Chris Johnson and scored on Justin Maxwell’s double-play grounder for the game’s only run in the second inning. Johnson had two singles.

Myers pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Pittsburgh starter James McDonald (2-2) gave up just four hits and one run over eight innings, striking out eight. The eight-inning stint matched the longest of his career.

After Norris retired the first nine in order, Jose Tabata tripled to lead off the fourth. Tabata was later thrown out at the plate on Andrew McCutchen’s one-out grounder to shortstop.

Rod Barajas (two hits) doubled to lead off the sixth and the Pirates loaded the bases, but Norris stranded them by retiring the next three batters – two on strikeouts.

GAME NOTEBOOK: McDonald has received two or fewer runs of support in six of his seven starts. … Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan was placed on the bereavement list due to the death of his grandmother Thursday. He is eligible to return Sunday. … Houston manager Brad Mills was ejected in the bottom of the eighth after arguing a controversial call.