Rangers 6, Astros 5
W: Darren O’Day, L: LaTroy Hawkins
Derek Holland, pitcher for the Rangers, did a pretty dog-gone good job against the Astros Friday night. Allowing 3 runs on 5 hits in 5.2 innings of work. The kid is pretty good. Felipe Paulino, started for the Astros and he went 5.1 innings giving up 4 runs on 7 hits. Both starting pitchers did well, but once Paulino hit the magic number of 100+ Cooper yanked him out of the game and let the bullpen take over from then.
Jason Jennings came into the game in place of Holland, I was hoping he give the Astros some of the runs he gave up a couple years back when he was an Astro. And he did, the two he gave up just weren’t enough on the night.
Michael Bourn, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee all had pretty good nights at the plate. Bourn seems to be handling the pressure of leading off games ok so far. Berkman seems like he might be finding his confidence again. And Carlos gets to stay in just long enough to be substituted and missed later in the game.
Overall, the this was a game the Astros could have won, but didn’t. It was another game where 5 pitchers were used. Nothing new in that.
Bench Tidbits:
Michael Bourn leads the National League in stolen bases. Run Baby Run.
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Don’t forget to remember the veterans Monday. Thanks to those that have served and are serving our country. You are the best.