Giants at Astros, 8/14/08

[OregonStrosFan]

Giants Lineup

D. Roberts, LF
E. Velez, 2B
R. Winn, RF
A. Rowand, CF
P. Sandoval, C
T. Ishikawa, 1B
R. Rohlinger, 3B
I. Ochoa, SS
K. Correia, P

Astros Lineup

D. Erstad, CF
T. Wigginton, LF
M. Tejada, SS
L. Berkman, 1B
G. Blum, 3B
H. Pence, RF
D. Newhan, 2B
H. Quintero, C
B. Moehler, P

Am at work (thus catching the game sporadically), so any PBP would be appreciated!

[MusicMan]

Roberts leads off with an 0-2 single to LF.

[MusicMan]

Velez singles to CF on 1-2, with the runner going, 1st and 3rd, nobody out.

[MusicMan]

2-2 pitch to Winn, runner at 1st going, lines a single into RF.

1-0 Giants, still 1st and 3rd with nobody out.

[MusicMan]

1-1 pitch to Rowand, runner in motion, fly ball to RF, runners retreat to their bases.

1st and 3rd, 1 out.

[austro]

2-2 pitch to Winn, runner at 1st going, lines a single into RF.

1-0 Giants, still 1st and 3rd with nobody out.

I'm getting tired of Winn. He's been pretty good this series.

[MusicMan]

1-1 pitch to Sandoval, lined to Wiggy in LF, runner tags and scores (throw cut off).

2-0 Giants, runner on 1st, 2 out.

[MusicMan]

0-1 pitch to Ishikawa, easy bouncer to Puma 3u.

Middle 1st, 2-0 Giants

[Jacksonian]

I'm getting tired of Winn. He's been pretty good this series.

FIFY

I wish he was an Astro.

[MusicMan]

Erstad walks on a full count.

[MusicMan]

FIFY

I wish he was an Astro.

I recall several people lusting after him when he was still in TB.

[JimR]

FIFY

I wish he was an Astro.

he would have been if Moyer had not vetoed the deal.

[MusicMan]

1-1 to Wiggy, drills a single through the left side, Erstad to 2b.

[MusicMan]

he would have been if Moyer had not vetoed the deal.

Fuck Moyer.

[MusicMan]

2-0 pitch to Tejada, ready-made double play ball 4-6-3, Erstad to 3rd.

[JimR]

Tejada killed that inning.

[MusicMan]

First pitch swinging, Berkman flies to medium LCF, inning over.

End 1: Giants 2-0

[MusicMan]

Tejada killed that inning.

I'm listening only, but how the hell do you hit a weak grounder the other way on a 2-0 pitch?

[JimR]

I'm listening only, but how the hell do you hit a weak grounder the other way on a 2-0 pitch?

he was going the other way and hit it sharply but right at Velez.

[MusicMan]

He's not hitting 2nd any more.  Appreciate the thought of going the other way, but they need him to drive the ball with Lee out.

[austro]

I'm listening only, but how the hell do you hit a weak grounder the other way on a 2-0 pitch?

By using that funky inside-out swing that he's been featuring for the last week. What's up with that?

[MusicMan]

Top 2:

Rohlinger bounces 1-3 on a 1-1 pitch.

[JimR]

He's not hitting 2nd any more.  Appreciate the thought of going the other way, but they need him to drive the ball with Lee out.

he was trying to drive the ball and stayed back well.

[MusicMan]

2-2 to Ochoa: spaz dives for the soft fly to RF, not only misses but it gets by him (on replay, closed the glove early and ball went over it, according to DoRay), Ochoa to 2b on the "double".

[MusicMan]

he was trying to drive the ball and stayed back well.

Thanks for clarifying.  Milo's description would certainly not tell me.

[MusicMan]

Correia strikes out swinging, opted not to bunt the runner to third with 1 out already.

2 out, runner on 2b.

[MusicMan]

Full count, Roberts flies to Pence in deep RCF.

Mid 2: 2-0 Giants

[JimR]

Full count, Roberts flies to Pence in deep RCF.

Mid 2: 2-0 Giants

not deep at all. did Milo say deep?he's blind.

[MusicMan]

Blum grounds 3-1 on a full count.

[MusicMan]

not deep at all. did Milo say deep?he's blind.

He did.  I used to try to stick up for the man, but competent is far in his rearview mirror at this point.

[MusicMan]

Pence doubles into CF.  Apparently the ball kicked off the wall to the right of the Pump and away from the CF, but spaz did not try for third.

[MusicMan]

3-1 to Newhan, smashed to Ishikawa at 1b, Pence to 3rd on the 3-1.

[OregonStrosFan]

Pence doubles into CF.  Apparently the ball kicked off the wall to the right of the Pump and away from the CF, but spaz did not try for third.

Did catch that one.  Deep shot to center, bounced up and over the HR line for a ground rule double.  Spaz would've easily had 3B but for the GR double.

[JimR]

Pence doubles into CF.  Apparently the ball kicked off the wall to the right of the Pump and away from the CF, but spaz did not try for third.

b/c it bounced above the yellow line.

[Nate in IA]

Gameday on Yahoo is showing that Fred Lewis replaced Aaron Rowand in center because of an undisclosed injury.

[JimR]

3-1 to Newhan, smashed to Ishikawa at 1b, Pence to 3rd on the 3-1.

this one was a great play.

[MusicMan]

Q strikes out on 0-2, safe on the WP 3rd strike, Pence scores.

Giants 2-1, Q on 1st for Moehler.

[MusicMan]

b/c it bounced above the yellow line.

This would have been cler to me if I had pictured LCF in my mind, or if Stevie Wonder was not broadcasting.

[MusicMan]

Moehler strikes out.

End 2: Giants 2-1

[austro]

Q strikes out on 0-2, safe on the WP 3rd strike, Pence scores.

Wow, nice break for the good guys.

[Ty in Tampa]

Brown said Matsui's MRI was negative and he's day-to-day.

[MusicMan]

Had to answer a call - Valez at 1st with nobody out, I believe on a single.

I have a 2 pm call coming up if someone can take over PBP.

[mihoba]

Randy Winn can handle the bat. Bastard.

[JimR]

Randy Winn can handle the bat. Bastard.

fuck Moyer

[mihoba]

Erstad leads off with a solid single to right.

[Jacksonian]

he would have been if Moyer had not vetoed the deal.

Yeah I know.  That's why I said it.  

Fuck Moyer.  

Fuck the Cubs.  Can't help myself; it's ingrained.

[mihoba]

And Wiggy follows with a solid single to left.

[mihoba]

Tejada takes a ball low, takes a slider for a strike, hits a slow roller to third, Rohlinger tags Erstad on the way to third, All other runners save. 1 down.

[mihoba]

Berkman watches a ball low, ball inside, ball outside, takes a strike, slams a double to the bullpen fence in left, Wiggy scores, Tejada to third.

[mihoba]

Blum takes a ball, lifts a medium fly to left, Tejada tags and scores on Roberts weeny arm. Tie ball game.

[JimR]

Berkman watches a ball low, ball inside, ball outside, takes a strike, slams a double to the bullpen fence in left, Wiggy scores, Tejada to third.

oh-so-close to a Berkman Crawford Special

[mihoba]

Pence routine grounder to third on the first pitch, side retired.

[toddthebod]

Randy Winn can handle the bat. Bastard.

I wonder if the Giants tried getting him through waivers.

[mihoba]

Rohlinger lines the first pitch right to Newhan, 1 down

[mihoba]

Ochoa ball, strike, slider goes wide, FB fouled away, FB lined right to a jumping Newhan, 2 down.

[mihoba]

Correia takes a strike, ball, slow roller to Newhan, side retired on 9 pitches.

[JimR]

Pence routine grounder to third on the first pitch, side retired.

on a ball that jammed him. his nickname should be the Hacker.

[OregonStrosFan]

Ochoa ball, strike, slider goes wide, FB fouled away, FB lined right to a jumping Newhan, 2 down.

JD gave Moehler and Newhan an 8.5 on the synchronized leaping that play...

[mihoba]

Correia still on the hill

Newhan slams a liner to right for a solid single.

[mihoba]

Q steps in and takes a strike, ball, hit and run grounder right on the bag, Ochoa grabs and steps on the bag just a Newhan slides in, on to first for the DP, 2 down.

[mihoba]

Moehler strike, ball, foul, strike right down Broadway looking, side retired.

[mihoba]

Moehler on the hill

Roberts watches a change for a strike, foul back, ball, ball, hard roller in the hole between 1st and 2nd, dives and grabs, jumps up and guns him down. 1 out. Pretty good play.

[mihoba]

Velez pops up to Tejada, 2 down.

[mihoba]

Winn takes a ball, inside FB fouled, change drifts outside, low FB flied right to Spaz. Side retired.

[JimR]

mihoba: Mark is sitting in my office. do you need to talk to him? PM me if so.

[JaneDoe]

Newhan is having quite a day defensively.

[Jacksonian]

mihoba: Mark is sitting in my office. do you need to talk to him? PM me if so.

Isn't he a little old for "bring you kid to work day"?

[mihoba]

Erstad takes a curve for a strike, fouls off another, ball, check swing rings him up, 1 down.

[JimR]

Isn't he a little old for "bring you kid to work day"?

yes, but he works here. it may be he wanted to say hi...or it may be that the game is on my TV.

[mihoba]

mihoba: Mark is sitting in my office. do you need to talk to him? PM me if so.

Just tell him to check his SnS email. Danke.

[MusicMan]

Isn't he a little old for "bring you kid to work day"?

In Jim's day, that was simply called farming.

[JimR]

he says there is nothing there. what are you sending? he sent you the finalized potw today before lunch.

[mihoba]

Wiggy ball, strike, ball, missed a curve, Sandoval to the mound for a chat, low FB looking gets him, 2 down.

[mihoba]

he says there is nothing there. what are you sending? he sent you the finalized potw today before lunch.

His turn to post for voting, I believe.

[mihoba]

Tejada grounds to second for the 3rd out.

[Ron Brand]

Nice to see Gene Elston getting some love this year.

[mihoba]

Lewis takes Moehler deep.

Work calls, someone else take over. I have to supply power for you air conditioner types.

[MusicMan]

Sandoval pops out, Ishikawa doulbles to the LCF bullpen.

[Limey]

2-2 to Ochoa: spaz dives for the soft fly to RF, not only misses but it gets by him (on replay, closed the glove early and ball went over it, according to DoRay), Ochoa to 2b on the "double".

FWIW, his attempt was almost entirely foolhardy.  With 1 out, just take it on one hop and hold the runner at 1st.  The dive let him get to 2nd, with two shots at driving him home.

[MusicMan]

Coop out of the dugout, Milo claiming Moehler pointed to the pen after the double, Geary coming on.

[Limey]

Pence doubles into CF.  Apparently the ball kicked off the wall to the right of the Pump and away from the CF, but spaz did not try for third.

T'was above the line.  GR double.

[JimR]

His turn to post for voting, I believe.

he says "yassuh, i'll gets right on it."

[MusicMan]

he says "yassuh, i'll gets right on it."

Mistuh Jim, I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no POTW!

[JaneDoe]

Lewis takes Moehler deep.

Work calls, someone else take over. I have to supply power for you air conditioner types.

I can fill in if needed.

ETA: MM's got it.

[MusicMan]

Rohlinger flies to Pence, runner holds.

Ochoa walked to get to the pitcher.

[Limey]

Berkman watches a ball low, ball inside, ball outside, takes a strike, slams a double to the bullpen fence in left, Wiggy scores, Tejada to third.

The 3-0 pitch was a well located fastball low and away.  The catcher set up in the same spot for the 3-1 pitch and I said to my boss (with whom I was watching the game at lunch), "He's going for that same pitch, but if he elevates it to make certain of the str....".  In comes a hump-backed change-up, bollock-high, and off it went into the wild, blue yonder.

[MusicMan]

Correia goes down on 3 sliders.

Middle 6: Giants 4-3

[MusicMan]

Citgo: "Inside a baseball, you'll find the hopes and dreams of kids around the world Chinese girls forced to lie about their age."

[MusicMan]

BOT 6:

Berkman easy 4-3.
Blum lazy fly to center.

[mihoba]

he says "yassuh, i'll gets right on it."

Mark is da maign.

[MusicMan]

PEnce fouls a ball about 6 inches inside off his instep.

[austro]

Citgo: "Inside a baseball, you'll find the hopes and dreams of kids around the world Chinese girls forced to lie about their age."

I'm not so sure they're forced. I suspect they're quite comfortable with it.

[MusicMan]

Pence flies to the track in CF.

End 6: Giants 4-3

[MusicMan]

Top 7:

Byrdak on for Geary.
Roberts bounces to Tejada on a nice scoop, 1 down.

[MusicMan]

Velez bounces one off Byrdak's leg to Newhan for your standard 1-4-3.

[MusicMan]

Winn finally makes an out, flies to Wiggy.

Stretch time: Giants 4-3

[MusicMan]

BOT 7:

Correia still pitching, Newhan singles softly to CF on 2-1 pitch.

Q ready to bunt, Newhan to 2nd on a first-pitch WP/PB.

[MusicMan]

Ruled a PB.  Q bunts foul, then takes a ball, 2-1 count.  Another bunt foul.

[Bench]

Foul bunt, foul bunt? C'mon Q. Get it down.

[MusicMan]

Slow roller to SS, Newhan smartly advances to 3b, Q out at 1st.

Loretta to PH for Byrdak.

[Bench]

Just as a good as a bunt, I guess.

[MusicMan]

2-1 pitch to Loretta, Loretta checks, strike on appeal.

[Ty in Tampa]

Fuck!

[MusicMan]

Flare to SS, Ochoa leaps and catches while pulled in.  2 down for Erstad.

[MusicMan]

Correia done for the day.

[ValpoCory]

Fuck yes.  Erstad!

[Gizzmonic]

Erstad is a real hoagie!

[MusicMan]

TAschner in, Erstad sends the single through the right side on the first pitch.

Tied at 4.

[MusicMan]

Yabu in for Taschner.

[Limey]

Time for a Wiggy Wallop onto the concourse behind the CBs.

[ValpoCory]

Contrary to popular thought, Jack Taschner does not tie a record for least number of pitches in an outing.   He came close, though. 

[MusicMan]

You're saying he should unTy the game?

[Limey]

Yabu in for Taschner.

Fuck you Yabu...

[Limey]

You're saying he should unTy the game?

Boooooooo.  No wait...BOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[ValpoCory]

Come on El CaTYo

[MusicMan]

Ty flies to CF on the 2-2 pitch.

End 7: 4-4

[MusicMan]

TOP 8: Wright in.

[MusicMan]

Lewis grounds 6-3, nice strong throw by Tejada. (edit b/c outs are made at first)

[JimR]

Lewis grounds 6-4, nice strong throw by Tejada.

he is tremendously accurate.

[MusicMan]

Wright comes back from 3-0 to get Sandoval to fly to Pence, 2 down.

[Limey]

Lewis grounds 6-4, nice strong throw by Tejada.

He hasn't tired his arm out by swing the bat hard.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Wright looks younger than a Chinese gymnast.

[drew corleone]

Wright looks younger than a Chinese gymnast.

He should be fired up today. They let the relievers take BP before today's game, and WW's goal was to try and hit as many homers as possible, thus showing why relievers don't really need to take BP.

[MusicMan]

Ishikawa walks on full count; LaTroy on for Wesley.

[MusicMan]

Wright looks younger than a Chinese gymnast.

You're saying WW looks like a fetus?

[legs_of_eggs]

LaTroy Hawkins makes the 09 bullpen for sure

[MusicMan]

Hawkins K's Rohlinger looking.

Middle 8: 4-4

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

You're saying WW looks like a fetus?

It's really hard to do the parallel bars that young.  The umbilical keeps getting tangled up.

[MusicMan]

I HAVE AN URGENT AND INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Chris Burke has hit his first HR of 2008.

[MusicMan]

Tejada loops a 3-2 pitch into RF for a single.

Yabu out, Bochy out for the double switch (Aurelia and ?)

[Gizzmonic]

I HAVE AN URGENT AND INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Chris Burke has hit his first HR of 2008.

I know someone who gave their child the middle name "Burke" after Burke's HR to beat Atlanta in the '05 playoffs.

They feel a little silly now.  At least it wasn't the first name.

[austro]

I HAVE AN URGENT AND INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Chris Burke has hit his first HR of 2008.

Great: he's peaking just as we meet his team.

[drew corleone]

I HAVE AN URGENT AND INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Chris Burke has hit his first HR of 2008.

And here I thought you were about to do a cannonball. Color me disappointed.

[MusicMan]

Henshaw in to turn Puma around.

[legs_of_eggs]

I HAVE AN URGENT AND INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Chris Burke has hit his first HR of 2008.

Glendon Rusch gave it up so it's even more significant

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

PUMA!

[Anit]

way to go lance

[JaneDoe]

Berkman's got that HR swing back just in the nick of time.

[Ebby Calvin]

PUMA!!!

[MusicMan]

PUMA DROPS THE MOTHAFUCKIN SOUPBONE!

Line drive HR to left.  6-4 Astros

[OregonStrosFan]

Friggin' FANTASTIC!!!

[Gizzmonic]

Everyone do the Little Puma dance!

(just please, don't wear the outfit)

[MusicMan]

Don't forget the lucky fan getting gift certificates from LAndry's for the Crawford Box shot.

[Limey]

He hits for less power and can't elevate the ball right handed.  Eh?  Oh.

[Limey]

Everyone do the Little Puma dance!

(just please, don't wear the outfit)

There's a Pumette today, who looks quite sweet in her cat suit.

[Bench]

Berkman's got that HR swing back just in the nick of time.

Yeah, but can he do it from the lefthanded side?

[MusicMan]

Blum drives one deep to LCF, off the bullpen screen for a double.

Blum pointing to the Waste Management sign and claiming a HR.

[mihoba]

Praise the lord and pass the Twinkies!

[MusicMan]

Umpires confer, confirm the ruling of a double.

[mihoba]

There's a Pumette today, who looks quite sweet in her cat suit.

Patti the Puma....puuuuuurrrrfect.

[legs_of_eggs]

Blum drives one deep to LCF, off the bullpen screen for a double.

Blum pointing to the Waste Management sign and claiming a HR.

That sign is always involved in HR controversies

[Hornstros]

You're always involved in SnS controversies

[MRaup]

Much like you're involved in being a polesmoke.

[Astroholic]

There's a Pumette today, who looks quite sweet in her cat suit.

Yeah but how are her boobs?

[MusicMan]

You guys are always objectifying furries.

Pence strikes out looking, 1 down, runner on 2b.

[Taras Bulba]

Much like you're involved in being a polesmoke.

Timely, appreciated, and nominated.

[Señor Stan]

Untouched by the jokers standing around her

[Astroholic]

Timely, appreciated, and nominated.

Looking at the replay on gameday, Coop does a puma swat in the dugout.

[Limey]

Yeah but how are her boobs?

Nice.  All six of 'em.

[Astroholic]

Nice.  All six of 'em.

Pay the man!

[MusicMan]

Newhan goes down swinging.  Bochy on for another pitching change to face the might Q.

[pravata]

Untouched by the jokers standing around her

You mean those grown men wearing Halloween costumes in August? 

[legs_of_eggs]

You're always involved in SnS controversies

Just tryin to get my ignore number up, carry on

[Jacksonian]

Untouched by the jokers standing around her

That's not surprising.  Dorks wearing costumes at entertainment events generally have no need for or an idea of what to do with a woman, much less one in a cat costume even it comes with a mouse attached.

[JimR]

That's not surprising.  Dorks wearing costumes at entertainment events generally have no need for or an idea of what to do with a woman, much less one in a cat costume even it comes with a mouse attached.

unlike suave, sophicated gentlemen posting on an internet message board in the middle of the day

[MusicMan]

Walker on, Q singles up the middle.

Astros 7, Giants 4

[Limey]

Walker on, Q singles up the middle.

Astros 7, Giants 4

Bochy pushing all the right buttons today.  And by "right buttons", I mean the ones marked "Self-Destruct".

[MusicMan]

Bourn PH for Hawkins, presumably will stay in to play OF.

Bourn drills one to SS, dive, flip to 2b, inning over.

END 8: Astros 7-4

[Señor Stan]

unlike suave, sophicated gentlemen posting on an internet message board in the middle of the day

I'm not wearing my cat suit in public, just here at home.

[Astroholic]

I'm not wearing my cat suit in public. 

Thanks.

[Gizzmonic]

That's not surprising.  Dorks wearing costumes at entertainment events generally have no need for or an idea of what to do with a woman, much less one in a cat costume even it comes with a mouse attached.

That's easy, my man.  You just unwrap it, put it in the microwave for 45 seconds, press start and-

Uh, wait a minute.  I thought you were talking about a frozen burrito.

[jonbloozy]

Looking at the replay on gameday, Coop does a puma swat in the dugout.

Was that a swat or a spotlight?

The new Gameday looks awesome

[sporadic]

unlike suave, sophicated gentlemen posting on an internet message board in the middle of the day

just killin time until night-time, Jim

[Taras Bulba]

just killin time until night-time, Jim

You don't have to wait for dark to jerk off.

[MusicMan]

TOP 9:
Valverde pitching, Bourn to CF, Erstand to LF, Wigginton to 3b, Blum to 2b, Newhan out.

Ochoa pops to 3b, Aurilia pops to RF.  2 down.

[Astroholic]

You don't have to wait for dark to jerk off.

But you might want to wait until you leave the office.

[MusicMan]

Roberts flies to CF.  8 pitches for Ponche.

FINAL SCORE: ASTROS 7, GIANTS 4

[Astroholic]

Roberts flies to CF.  8 pitches for Ponche.

FINAL SCORE: ASTROS 7, GIANTS 4

Nice sweep. 

[mihoba]

Twice is nice!

[Limey]

Echoes of 04 and 05.  To be honest, I just want to finish above the Jakes.  Anything else is jam.

[Astroholic]

Twice is nice!

Let's tread carefully in lieu of the BBG's.

[MusicMan]

Echoes of 04 and 05.  To be honest, I just want to finish above the Jakes.  Anything else is jam.

Good thing, because the fucking Brewers are winning again.

That's the forgotten thing about 2004... the teams ahead of us fell apart, too.

[Astroholic]

Good thing, because the fucking Brewers are winning again.

That's the forgotten thing about 2004... the teams ahead of us fell apart, too.

There is the wildcard.

[Limey]

Good thing, because the fucking Brewers are winning again.

That's the forgotten thing about 2004... the teams ahead of us fell apart, too.

Did they fall apart, or did the Astros just make them look bad (see Harrington, Padraig).

[Jacksonian]

Let's tread carefully in lieu of the BBG's.

Nope.  Being excited about back to back 4 game sweeps AFTER the sweeps are completed is just fine.

[Bench]

There is the wildcard.

And the Brewers are leading that.

[Astroholic]

Nope.  Being excited about back to back 4 game sweeps AFTER the sweeps are completed is just fine.

Cool.  Just looking at the next four looks really tough, so I don't want to piss anyone off.

[pravata]

And the Brewers are leading that.

And they're working on 9 in a row.

[Astroholic]

And the Brewers are leading that.

Yep, forgot about the scrubs.  Nevermind.

[Jacksonian]

Cool.  Just looking at the next four looks really tough, so I don't want to piss anyone off.

As long as mihoba puts the broom back in the closet until after the next sweep we'll be fine.

[Jacksonian]

Yep, forgot about the scrubs.  Nevermind.

No problem there.  They're entirely forgettable.



Who're we talking about?

[MusicMan]

Did they fall apart, or did the Astros just make them look bad (see Harrington, Padraig).

Cubs finished 26-20.
Padres finished 25-21.
Giants finished 28-16.

The may not have collapsed entirely, but they didn't step on the gas.

[JaneDoe]

No problem there.  They're entirely forgettable.



Who're we talking about?

underage Chinese gymnasts dressed in furry suits?

[mihoba]

As long as mihoba puts the broom back in the closet until after the next sweep we'll be fine.

Back in the closet. Check.

[Jacksonian]

Back in the closet. Check.

Make sure it's not in the same closet Tom Cruise is in.  I'd hate for you to lose the broom.

[ValpoCory]

Useless stat of the day: the franchise record now sits at just 17 games under .500.  3,714-3,731.

[DVauthrin]

It's amazing to think with this streak that the astros would be tied or in sole possession for 1st in the NL west if the season ended today.   And that they have gained little ground on the wildcard because milwaukee doesn't seem to lose either.

[Limey]

Cubs finished 26-20. = .565
Padres finished 25-21. = .543
Giants finished 28-16. = .636

The may not have collapsed entirely, but they didn't step on the gas.

Each of those Win%'s is better than their overall season numbers (.549, .537 & .562 respectively).  They were trying, they just couldn't match the Astros - who closed the season with a 34-14 run (.708) to finish .568 on the season.

ETA:  To get to 90 wins this year, the Astros need to go 28-13 (.683).

[Limey]

It's amazing to think with this streak that the astros would be tied or in sole possession for 1st in the NL west if the season ended today.   And that they have gained little ground on the wildcard because milwaukee doesn't seem to lose either.

FWIW, as far as the Central goes, the division-leading Cubs have played the fewest games against the East and the most against the West.  The division-propping-up Reds have played the most against the East and the least against the West.  The Astros have more games left against the East than either of the Brewers or Jakes.

[MusicMan]

ETA:  To get to 90 wins this year, the Astros need to go 28-13 (.683).

Well, a week ago they needed 36-13 (.735).

[MusicMan]

Also, the PAdres put 3 on the board to take a 3-1 lead into the 8th.

[Limey]

Well, a week ago they needed 36-13 (.735).

I'm doing my very, very best not to get excited.

[JaneDoe]

I'm doing my very, very best not to get excited.

So you are avoiding every reference to Ms. Johannson?

[MusicMan]

If the Brewers had gone .500 over the past week, I'd be going nuts.

[MusicMan]

Brewers lose, 3-2.

[JimR]

Brewers lose, 3-2.

awwwwwww.

[MusicMan]

I'm doing my very, very best not to get excited.

OK, I'm justy going to throw this out there...

The Astros are 7.5 games behind the WC leaders on August 14, 2008.

The Astros were 7 games behind the WC leaders on August 14, 2004.

[Ty in Tampa]

OK, I'm justy going to throw this out there...

The Astros are 7.5 games behind the WC leaders on August 14, 2008.

The Astros were 7 games behind the WC leaders on August 14, 2004.

NAH NAH NAH NAH ....I can't hear you!