PITTSBURGH (AP) -Jason Michaels of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit a three-run homer Thursday night in the first inning against the Houston Astros, giving him two homers and seven RBIs in a span of two at-bats.

The backup outfielder hadn't batted since hitting a pinch-hit grand slam in the seventh inning of the Pirates' 5-4 comeback victory in St. Louis on Monday. He started in right field against Houston, connecting off Brandon Backe.

The Pirates acquired Michaels and cash from the Indians for a player to be named on May 9. Michaels did not homer in his first 36 at-bats with Pittsburgh before homering in consecutive trips to the plate.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.