Mike McKenry and Pedro Alvarez drove in two runs apiece, and the Pittsburgh Pirates looked pretty comfortable during their first day in first place, beating the Houston Astros 6-4 on Wednesday.

Kevin Correia (5-6) won his third straight decision as the streaking Pirates moved nine games above .500 (45-36) for the first time since Barry Bonds was swinging for the fences at Three Rivers Stadium 20 years ago. Joel Hanrahan pitched the ninth for his 21st save. Garrett Jones added two hits for Pittsburgh, which has won seven of eight.

Houston rookie Dallas Keuchel (1-1) suffered his first major league loss, giving up four runs in 5 2-3 innings, more runs than he gave up in his first three starts combined.

J.D. Martinez hit his 10th homer for the Astros, while Scott Moore and Brian Bogusevic each had two hits, though it couldn't stop Houston from dropping its seventh straight.