Thursday, May 29, 2008
Astros 2
Jakes 3
W: Lohse (5-2) | L: Oswalt (4-5) | S: Franklin (4)
HR:Kabong, El Vendo
Lee Hurwitz reporting
AP via Yahoo
Game 1, the Astros scored a bunch in the first that held up for a win. Game 2, the Jakes jumped on Wandy in the first and never looked back. The first inning played big again tonight but unfortunately, it was an Oswalt inning.®
After 2 quick outs in the 1st, Roy gave up a base hit to Pooholes, then 2 straight 4-pitch walks to Ludwick and Glaus to load up the bases. Next batter, “Borrachito” Duncan humped a single to right that brought home 2 runs and effectively put the game out of reach for the suddenly slumping Astros.
In reality, Roy pitched better than that. He wasn’t mowing ’em down a la vintage Roy but he was getting ’em out. The only other mistake he made was gift-wrapping a slightly-hanging slider to His Majesty for a solo shibby in the 6th that ended up being the game-winner. I won’t comment on tonight’s strike zone other than to suggest a skimming of the GZ. As to whether Roy has corrected what has ailed him up ’til now remains to be seen.
Kyle Lohse kept the offense down for only 5 hits over 6 strong. He unraveled in the 7th, though with a first-pitch fastball to The Bull that he crushed to straightaway center. Next batter Pence singled to get Lohse run but the surge fizzled when Kyle McLellan came in and got the next three batters, including a questionable at-bat by Roy to end the inning with Pence standing on second. Beyond that, the bats were quiet until Ryan Franklin entered for the Co-ards in the 9th to try and lock it down. First batter, Lightnin’ Lance tattooed a hanging curve to dead center to cut the lead to one and give the boys some promise. But Franklin tightened up and got Lee, Pence and Wiggy in order to snuff out any threat.
Shake the stink of this one off, boys. 3 at the Brewers this weekend with Backe @ Parra tonight at 7:05 CDT.