Morgan Ensberg hit a clutch two-run pinch-hit home run in the 7th inning and Aubrey Huff hit a solo shot in the 8th to break a 3-3 tie as the Astros defeated the Brewers in game one of the weekend series.
Roy Oswalt started and pitched seven strong innings, but allowed the tying run to score in the 7th when he beaned Brewers catcher Damian Miller with the bases loaded. Oswalt struck out nine and allowed five hits and a walk for his 12th victory of the season. Dan Wheeler and Brad Lidge came on and shut down the Brewers with a scoreless inning each, with Lidge earning his 31st save.
Ensberg, mired in what seems to be a four month slump, broke out in a big way with his opposite field shot to breath new life into the Astros in their race to the finish with 22 games remaining.
Roger Clemens will miss his start Saturday against the Brewers. He left Monday night’s game at Philadelphia after five innings with a strained right groin. “He’s just not ready to go,” Astros manager Phil Garner said. Clemens might not pitch until the team returns to Houston after this six-game road trip ends.
Tommorrow’s fill in starter will be Jason Hirsh vs. Tomo Ohka at 6:05.