Same story, different day. The frustrated Astros continued their weak play on the road, losing 4-1 on Saturday evening to Atlanta.
Braves starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez, doing his best Lefty Grove impersonation, baffled the Astros through 7 shutout innings, allowing a mere 6 baserunners on 3 singles and 3 walks. Chris Reitsma allowed the lone Astros run in the 8th on a bad-hop double by Lance Berkman , and closer Danny Kolb earned the save with his one inning of work by striking out Willy Taveras with the bases loaded in the 9th.
Andy Pettitte was saddled with his 3rd loss after pitching 7 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits, including a solo homer by the ancient Julio Franco. Brad Lidge gave up a run in his one inning of mop up work.
The Astros hope to avoid the 4-game sweep and break their current 5-game losing streak tomorrow at the Ted as rookie Zeke Astacio takes the mound against former Astro Mike Hampton. Local game time is 12:05.