July 17, 2007
Astros 4
Nats 2
W: Sampson | L: Redding | S: Lidge (1)
Game Zone, eh.
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When former Astros headcase Tim Redding popped up on the pitching probables for this series, I admit to feeling very much the same as others who feared The Sponge might mow down his ex-mates in epic fashion. Fortunately, those fears were not realized tonight as Timmah pitched well for the gNats but couldn’t overcome bombs by Lee and PENCE!!! as the Astros went on to win their first since the break 4-2.
Chis Sampson gave up a coupla shots of his own, both solo, one in the 1st and one in the 4th. He got in trouble a few times but kept the ball down and got the ground outs he needed. He went 6.2 with 2 ER, 3K and 0BB. Loretta made a number of fine plays at short tonight, including the start of a DP from his knees with no out in the 6th.
With one out and down by A run in the 3rd, PENCE!!! chopped a single up the middle. Lance FCd and then El Caballo seared a Redding FB over the left field fence for his 18th. The ‘great’ Don Sutton, “That pitch was exactly where Tim Redding wanted it. Redding is standing there shaking his head right now.” Uh-huh!
After Zimmerman tied it up in the 4th with his solo shot, the goodguys didn’t waste any time taking the lead back. It still baffles how pitchers around the league give Gunther anything to hit. To Redding’s credit, he got his fastball past him a few times this evening but it was his breaking ball that PENCE!!! tatooed to left field. His 12th homer gave the Astros the lead for good.
Sparky made a surprising appearance in 7th, relieving Sampson with 1 on and 2 out. He got Fick to fly out weakly to right. Footer reported that Roy requested some game work with the off day on Thursday. Top of the 8th, a Pigpen PH sac fly scored Berkman for an insurance run with the bases loaded and one out. They had em loaded again after a Munson walk but newly-aggressive Ensberg flied to center to end the inning. Wheeler held the bottom of the 8th.
The game marked the return of Brad Lidge to the closers role and he delivered with his first save of the season. A flyout, K, Kearns BB and a K to end it, he looked as confident as he has setting up recently. Nice to see.
A good win, with a chance to take the series today at 12:05 CDT.