HOUSTON — Josh Bell launched his 21st home run — a two-run shot in the top of the first inning to get the Pittsburgh Pirates going — and Jung Ho Kang and Kevin Newman also homered as the Bucs routed the Houston Astros 14-2.

The Pirates scored two runs in each of the first three innings for a 6-1 lead.

They tacked on two more in the sixth on the Kang blast.

The Astros used two position players — first baseman Tyler White and catcher Matt Stassi to get three outs in the top of the ninth.

The Pirates scored six in that frame.

Dario Agrazal got the win, striking out three and scattering five hits in six innings of work.

The only run he surrendered was a solo shot to George Springer to lead off the bottom of the first inning for the Astros.