Paul Maholm shut down the Astros for eight innings, Freddy Sanchez homered for the second straight game and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat Houston 8-2 on Tuesday night.

Ryan Doumit hit a three-run homer and Nate McLouth added a solo shot as the Pirates beat the Astros for the sixth time in eight meetings.

Maholm (7-6) allowed a run on five hits, all singles, and struck out five to win for the fifth time in six decisions. He improved to 2-5 on the road this season.