Big inning carries Astros over Pirates

Associated Press

KISSIMMEE, Fla.

Chris Carter hit his second homer of the spring and started an eight-run fifth inning with a double Sunday as the Houston Astros roughed up Charlie Morton in a 14-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Carter went 3 for 3 and drove in two runs for Houston. The first baseman is trying to become a more complete hitter than the one who finished second in the major leagues in home runs (37) and fifth in strikeouts (182) last season.

“I’m trying to stay with my approach, just short and compact. The biggest thing is not missing your pitch when you get it,” said Carter. “I’ve worked on what I finished last season doing, and trying to carry that into the season this year — just staying through the middle and working the other way more.”

Colby Rasmus also hit his second home run and scored three times. Jonathan Villar and Hank Conger drove in three runs each for the Astros.

Right-hander Roberto Hernandez, bidding for a spot in the Astros’ starting rotation, gave up one run on three hits in four innings.

“I’m very, very close (to being ready), and every time I throw, I feel more comfortable,” said Hernandez, who is on his fifth different major league team since the end of 2012. “I can’t control what happens. I just think about throwing strikes and keeping the ball down.”