--RHP Jeff Karstens will be making his first start of the season Thursday after his scheduled start last Friday at Cincinnati was rained out. 

The Pirates held their own in their season-opening road trip to St. 

Neal Huntington had been trying to acquire Delwyn Young from the Los Angeles Dodgers since practically the day he became the Pirates' general manager late in the 2007 season. 

The Houston Astros finally figured out how to score some runs after consecutive shutouts, and the result was just their second victory of the season. 

Mike Hampton delivered a vintage performance. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Delwyn Young from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor league players or for cash. 

Andy LaRoche is still the Pirates' starting third baseman. 

--RHP Jimmy Barthmaier of Class AAA Indianapolis, who is on the 40-man roster, will miss a month because of a strained flexor mass in his pitching elbow. 

The Pirates held their own in their season-opening road trip to St. 

John Candelaria. 

Unlike the previous day, thePirates did not record a triple play. 

Eric Wolff saw trouble coming. 

It was a home opener that mixed the familiar air of optimism with a still-deep sense of sorrow. 

CINCINNATI - In the ugliness of a 10-2 loss, it is difficult to smear the lipstick all over one face. 

CINCINNATI - It is not punishment or lack of confidence or a go-sit-inthe-corner type of thing.