Cubs 2, Astros 3
W: Doug Brocail, L: Neal Cotts
Box Score
Wandy Rodriguez had a good night. He gave up one run on four hits, with four strike outs and three walks in six innings. The run came in the third inning when Ryan Theriot hit a double and then was single in by Derrick Lee.
Ryan Dempster had a pretty good night also. He went 5 innings giving up two runs on six hits with three walks. Miguel Tejada broke up the no-hitter Dempster had going into the fourth inning. Hunter Pence led off the fifth inning by hitting a homerun to tie the game. In the sixth inning, Geoff Blum singles, moved over by Hunter Pence’s single and scores on Michael Bourn’s single. Amazing what happens when you string some singles together.
Pitching changes started in the seventh. Chris Sampson came in to relieve Wandy Rodriguez, pitched a scoreless and hitless inning. Angel Guzman came in to pitch for Ryan Dempster and pitched a scoreless inning of work.
The pitching changes for the eighth inning brought LaTroy Hawkins to the mound for the Astros. LaTroy Hawkins gave up two hits and one run. That run was Alfonso Soriano hitting a homerun to deep left. Aaron Heilman came in for the Cubs and pitched a scoreless inning.
Tie game going into the ninth. Jose Valverde came into the game for the Astros and tossed a scoreless inning. Aaron Heilman still pitching for the Cubs gave up a hit to Geoff Blum and then was relieved by Neal Cotts. He had some traffic on the bases but no one was able to cross home plate.
Still tied going into the tenth inning. Tim Byrdak relieved Jose Valverde and pitched a scoreless inning. Kevin Gregg relieved Neal Cotts inheriting Ivan Rodriguez on second. Jason Michaels hit a deep fly to move Ivan Rodriguez to third. Miguel Tejada got an intentional walk to load the bases for Jeff Keppinger who proceeded to get his first hit as an Astro and the winning RBI. He might be a keeper folks.
Bench Tidbits:
Carlos Lee has been hitless in the two-games this season. I have a feeling when he finally gets that hit it is going to go a long way.
Ivan Rodriguez got his first hit as an Astro and scored a run, he also had three strikeouts.
Be sure to check out Craig’s series preview.
And for some in-game reactions, here’s the GameZone.