Astros 6, Brewers 1
W: Oswalt (5-6) | L: McClung (3-3)
HR: Berkman (19), Braun (17)
Astros.com wrap from Krysten Oliphant
Roy Oswalt won for the first time in a month and Lance Berkman continued hammering National League pitchers as the Astros took game one of the three game set against the Brewers at Minute Maid Park.
“I thought he threw the ball exceptionally well tonight. He was vintage Roy.” Coop
“He was nasty, his fastball was exploding. That’s the best I’ve ever seen him. He was on top of his game.” said youngster Ryan Braun, who Roy drilled in the ribs for my favorite play of the night.
“It looked like he was a little more of his aggressive self tonight and threw the ball with confidence.” Berkman
“I spotted my fastball a little bit better than last week, and when you spot your fastball, all your pitches look better. If you can spot your fastball in and out, you can make guys swing for it low in the zone.” Roy
Swing and miss that is, as Roy recorded a season-high 10 punchouts and was touched only on a solo dinger by Braun.
Berkman provided the offensive firepower with a two-run Crawford box shot and a comical bases-clearing triple that sailed over the centerfielder’s head all the way up Tal’s Hill.
Doug Brocail pitched a perfect eighth and Wesley Wright a perfect ninth to put this one in the books.
The Astros send Brandon Backe to the mound for game 2 of the series facing young lefty Manny Parra, the third time this season they have faced off.