Nyjer Morgan's day at the plate yesterday was just the way any leadoff batter wants it to be -- busy.

"That's the game I play," the outfielder said.

Morgan doubled and scored in the first inning, singled and stole second base and scored in the seventh, was hit by a pitch on his left shoulder in the 10th (and eventually was tagged out at home plate) and walked in the 12th, stole second and was left on third base.

Thus, he continued an active stretch over his past 21 starts, during which he has reached base at least once in each. In that stretch, he is 33 for 90 (.367) and has scored 17 runs.

"I'm a lot more comfortable," Morgan said. "I've tried to slow the game down and not try to do too much -- even though sometimes I do."

The Houston Astros, who begin a three-game series at PNC Park tonight, aren't quite the same bunch who swept a four-game series from the Pirates at Minute Maid Park a week ago.

Since then, they've endured Hurricane Ike, two games against the Chicago Cubs in Milwaukee -- in which they got a total of one hit -- and a dismal offensive showing in their three games in Miami.

This has not helped the Astros in their quest to win the National League wild card, a chase they entered by winning 14 of 15 games, capped by that sweep of the Pirates.

"It's definitely slipping away," first baseman Lance Berkman told reporters Wednesday night. "There's no doubt about it. It would probably take a miracle."

In their five games through last night, the Astros -- no-hit last Sunday night by Carlos Zambrano -- scored a total of five runs and were 16 for 150 (.106).

Manager Cecil Cooper had a team meeting before the game Wednesday night.

"This is a time when you need to step up and be counted," he told his club. "Not only pitching-wise, but offensively as well. We have to step up and be accounted [for]. And we're not doing it."

The Astros have donated $1 million to the hurricane relief effort in and around Houston. The money came from team chairman Drayton McLane, the Astros in Action Foundation and players and staff.

"I want to particularly commend our players and staff for their willingness to contribute to those in need," McLane told MLB.com.

The Pirates also will help with relief efforts in Houston.

Tonight, Pirates Charities, in conjunction with the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, will collect monetary donations before the game. Fans can donate as they enter the ballpark. Each fan who contributes will receive a "21" button in honor of Roberto Clemente.

The Pirates begin Fan Appreciation Weekend tonight.

Before the game, Pirates players and coaches will be at the entrance gates from 5:30 to 6 to greet and thank fans. Because of time issues, the players and coaches won't be able to sign autographs, but picture-taking is permissible.

A fireworks show will follow the game.

Tomorrow night, Lynyrd Skynyrd performs after the game.

There will be all kinds of giveaways during and after the game Sunday.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Pirates' 14 two-out runs Wednesday were the most in a game since the Colorado Rockies also scored 14 with two outs May 13, 2005, in an 18-3 victory against Arizona.

• The Pirates are 12-5 in extra-inning games; the Los Angeles Dodgers are 6-10.

• The Pirates yesterday announced a two-year extension of their working agreement with advanced Class A Lynchburg. This will maintain their affiliation with the Hillcats through 2010.