Astros 4, Rangers 3
W: Moehler (4-3) | L: Hurley (0-1) | S: Valverde (19)
HR’s: Berkman (21), Vazquez (5)
Astros.com wrap from Molony
The Good Guys returned to home cooking in a victorious way, defeating the Rangers 4-3 behind a strong pitching performance from veteran Brian Moehler, and despite the presence of Astros legend Nolan Ryan in enemy garb. Notice all the adoring fans around him disguised as empty seats.
Moehler, who allowed a run in the first frame on a pair of hits, settled down and pitched 6 1/3 effective innings. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the 6th by coaxing a deep fly to center in the only real threat from the Rangers. Rookie Wesley Wright and vets Doug Brocail and Jose Valverde finished up, but not before a bit of drama in the 9th as Valverde was taken deep by Astros Killer Ramon Vazquez for a two-run shot to close within a run. Ponche Grande earned the save by punching out the last two hitters.
The Rangers stayed in this one with some good defensive plays, one being when Ty Wigginton, who drove in a run earlier in the game, drove a ball deep to center with two runners on in the 6th, but Rangers centerfielder Marlon Byrd made a nice running grab to rob Wiggy of a pair of ribbies.
Leading 2-1 in the 8th, Lance Berkman provided a pair of much needed insurance runs by parking one in the Astros bullpen with Miguel Tejada on base to increase the lead to 4-1.
Humberto Quinteiro had an run-scoring double in the 2nd for his first RBI of 2008.
Tomorrow night, Roy on the hill.