This Could Be The Start of Something Wonderful.

Dodgers 5, Astros 8
W: Russ Ortiz, L: Clayton Kershaw, S: Jose Valverde

Well, this was an interesting game tonight. The first inning ended at 7:42 pm. That took a long time. Both Russ Ortiz and Clayton Kershaw threw a lot of pitches. The Dodgers putting up a 3 spot did not seem to bode well for the evening. Even though the Astros scored one run in the first also. But those of us with faith stuck around to see the Astros play some winning baseball.

I have to admit that one of the frustrating moments on the night was the Sonic Grandslam inning. I really feel bad for the contestant tonight. There were four chances for the Astros to hit a grandslam. All they could muster was one run. One, leaving three men on base. But I guess I should be okay with them scoring one.

A scary moment in the game was the top of the ninth. Rafael “Cheers” Furcal reached on a bunt error. Orlando Hudson reached on an ankle hit to Jose Valverde. Manny Ramirez came up with a chance to tie the game with no outs and proceeded to make a long fly ball out. Runners on the corners for the Dodgers. Andre Ethier worked a walk to load the bases with one out. I have to admit, I was very uncomfortable. This is not the Astros with bases loaded, this team could score some runs. Jose Valverde got James Loney and Russell Martin to strike out. The Dodgers left them all on base. It’s not just for the Astros anymore.

Memorable Moments from the game. Let’s start with Mr. Carlos Lee. He hit a shot that hit some lady going to see Mauritius at the Alley Theatre. Jason Michaels hit a ground rule double to center field that bounced out of the field. There were only six men left on base by the Astros, that does seem to be an improvement over the past few games. Russ Ortiz pitched well after the first inning. Wesley Wright, LaTroy Hawkins, and Jose Valverde pitched a scoreless inning each.

Manny Ramirez hit a shot that went 437′ straight to center.

Overall, it was a good win for the Astros.

Bench Tidbits:

Brad Ausmus is still good looking.

Kazuo Matsui has a group of fans that come out to the games.

Those furries for Lance Berkman are still stupid.

Check out the Game Zone for in-game reactions.

Taras Bulba has the Series Preview for more information.