(My Sportsbook) - The struggling Pittsburgh Pirates will try to get back on the winning track this evening, when they take on the Houston Astros in the first of a four-game set at PNC Park.

The Pirates will hand the ball to Dominican righthander Salomon Torres this evening. Torres has yet to suffer a loss (2-0) in 10 outings this season, including three starts. Last time on the hill, Torres surrendered five hits and four runs over 5 1/3 innings of action against Houston. The 31-year-old struck out three and walked two in the no-decision.

Torres has struggled in his career against the Astros, going 0-2 with an 8.22 ERA. The twirler has allowed 24 hits and 14 runs over 15 1/3 innings of action versus Houston.

Pittsburgh lost two of three to Arizona over the weekend and has dropped eight of its last nine contests overall. The Pirates finished up their set against Arizona on Sunday with a 2-1 loss.

Yesterday, Kip Wells (1-2) was the unlucky loser, suffering the setback despite allowing just two runs and five hits in seven innings. He fanned six and walked two.

Kenny Lofton belted a pair of hits -- including a double -- and Abraham Nunez drove in the Pittsburgh run. Lofton extended his hitting streak to 11 games.