Brett Myers earned his first victory as a member of the Houston Astros (8-10), who completed a three game series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates (7-11) with a 10-3 victory Sunday afternoon.

The victory puts Houston, which began the 2010 season 0-8, in the first division of the National League Central.

The Pirates, who were scoreboard watching with a chance to be in first place last Sunday, have lost six in a row and are now in last place.

The game fit the pattern of almost all Pittsburgh losses this season. The Bucs fell behind early due to a lousy outing by starting pitcher Charlie Morton (0-4) and never threatened afterwards.

Meanwhile Myers (1-1) got well on a pesky, but not prolific, Pittsburgh batting order.

The veteran right-hander allowed 11 hits in six innings, but all were singles. The Bucs actually collected 14 hits to Houston’s 10 in the game, but 13 of them were singles.

And despite Lance Berkman’s home run to lead off the second inning and Carlos Lee’s 2-run triple in the bottom of the fourth inning that broke the game wide open, the Astros probably most benefited on repeated fundamental mistakes by the Pirates.

Consider-

In the top of the first inning, Aki Iwamura was indecisive if Houston centerfielder Michael Bourn could catch a short fly ball to center. When Bourn did, he was able to double up Iwamura. In the top of the second the Pirates took a 1-0 lead when three of their first four hitters collected singles. But with one out, Morton could not sacrifice the runners over to second and third, which meant slow footed Ryan Doumit could not score from second on Bobby Crosby’s successive two-out single to left. The Pirates would not score another run in the inning. Morton’s pitching problems this season has said to be the result of less-than-aggressive pitching; too much reliance on breaking pitches rather than his 90-plus miles per hour fastball. Yet in the third inning Berkman was able to foul off three curves and worked Morton for a 10-pitch walk. Morton then followed this up by throwing a curve and a change-up, respectively, on his first pitch to the next two hitters in an inning in which he allowed three runs. Morton’s lack of aggressiveness led to him throwing 80 pitches in just a three inning stint. This, despite the fact the Pirates were desperate to have him register a lengthy start after using five relievers the night before. On Lee’s fourth-inning triple, shortstop Bobby Crosby’s late throw to third base got past hot corner guardian Andy LaRoche. But pitcher Brian Bass was not backing up third, and Lee was able to score to give Houston an 8-1 advantage. The Astros, who had five stolen bases as a team coming into the series, stole six in this game. Finally, in the sixth, the Pirates had the bases loaded with one out when Crosby hit a Texas Leaguer to center. But instead of a single, LaRoche was thrown out going to second as Bourn recorded his second assist of the day; neither one of which came at third base or home.

Morton officially allowed five earned runs in three innings. Incredibly, this allowed his earned run average to drop to 16.20.

The Pirates next travel to Milwaukee, where they have lost 21 straight games, for a three game series beginning Monday night.

The Astros have an off day on Monday before hosting the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night for the first of three games.

NOTES- The Pirates made several roster moves before the game. Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas, who had been hit on the head with a line drive on Sunday, was placed on the 15-day disabled list- allowing Brian Burress to be called up from Class AAA Indianapolis.

Bass’ contract was purchased from Indianapolis as well. Both pitchers pitched on Sunday, and both allowed two earned runs.

Daniel McCutchen, who had been the Pirates’ fifth starter, was sent down to Indianapolis for the second time this month. He was 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA with the Pirates.

Outfielder Brandon Jones was designated for assignment.

Berkman’s homer was his first of the season and gave him 314 for his career. This ties him for fifth in on the career home run list for switch-hitters with Reggie Smith.

Bourn had three steals in the game, giving him eight for the season.

Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen also had a theft and leads the majors with 10 stolen bases.