As the Astros stepped to the plate in the 5th inning against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo trailing 5-1 on the scoreboard, the TV crew just finished interviewing Astro legend Jimmy “Toy Cannon” Wynn, who gave his explaination on their problems with the bats. The good guys proceeded to rally for 6 runs in the inning capped by a monster 3-run blast into the restaurant from Lance Berkman.
Berkman, hobbled by a strained drivetrain, convinced manager Phil Garner that he could occupy first base and distract all baserunners that happened to stop by. He also made sure he didn’t have to use his wheels any more than necessary, as he added an insurance dinger in the 7th that finally chased Arroyo as the Astros took an 8-5 lead. Berkman’s second shot just missed the gas pump in center that counts Astro home runs.
Andy Pettitte started this game and was not effective, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits in his 5 innings of work. “This was another pathetic outing by me,” said Pettitte. “Praise these guys, praise the bullpen, praise the hitters — but not me. When I’m not getting anybody out, it’s like batting practice.” Thanks to the rally, Pettitte recorded his 9th win of the season.
The Astros first run came as Craig Biggio, having none of this shutout nonsense, stepped in against Arroyo and blasted his 50th career leadoff home run.
The rally in the 5th started as Brad Ausmus doubled, Adam Everett was hit by a pitch, and Willy Taveras reached on what was ruled an error. Taveras, who was pinch hitting for Pettitte, hit a grounder up the middle that was fielder by the Reds shortstop who then tried to flip to the secondbaseman for the force play. The soft toss was dropped and the bases were loaded. Biggio followed with a run-scoring single and Chris Burke drove in a pair with another single, setting the stage for Berkman’s heroics.
Deciding game of this series at 7:05 Thursday, Taylor Buchholz vs. Elizardo Ramirez.