Nationals 5, Astros 6
L: Joe Beimel, W: Jeff Fulchino
This game had its sizzling moments. There I sat in Minute Maid Park watching Roy just have a good ol’ time with the Nationals hitters when all of a sudden there’s a lot of people at the mound. “Oh Shit,” I start thinking. What’s wrong? Roy comes out of the game and the Nationals start to have some fun.
Astros Highlights:
Roy Oswalt went 6 innings giving up 3 runs. I don’t necessarily hold 2 of the runs against him since he left with numbness in his fingers. (For those scared, he should be fine.) The bullpen didn’t help him in that inning. Back to Roy he had 6 strike outs and 1 walk. The 6th inning was going to be a challenge for Roy anyway since Nyger Morgan had led off with a single then stole 2nd base. (He ended up scoring.) Glad Roy’s okay and that he was pitching good last night.
Michael Bourn was the Topps player of the game. He had 2 outfield assists. Someone last night was telling me he doesn’t hit the cut-off man. I guess sometimes it’s okay that he doesn’t. The second assist was in the top of the 9th. Michael also went 2 for 5 on the night with a homerun, stolen base and 3 RBIs. I just love Sweet Baby Bourn.
Geoff Blum did something for at least the third time this season. Had a WOGWH (walk-off-game-winning hit). Bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th and here comes Mr. Hair up to bad. Nice hit to right field. It was a great hit. Overall, he had a pretty good night at the plate going 3 for 4 with a walk. There’s been discussion about the booing from Thursday night. I don’t know what those people were upset about. Blum’s been a good player and manager this season. The only reason I’ve come up with is people in Houston don’t watch or listen to enough baseball to understand that sometimes you walk a player to create a force situation. Those of us reading the forums on this site should know better and be used to them already. The bad thing about their booing is there is a guy that wears pink shirts regularly that hears them also. Good thing Blum and Tejada didn’t get released Thursday night.
Nationals Highlights:
Nyger Morgan had 2 stolen bases.
Game Analysis:
Hopefully this team is going to stay on the right side of .500 for the rest of the season. The guys have been playing some good baseball lately. I also love having the “team that is suppose to win the division” looking up at the Astros asses.
Bench Tidbits:
I got the planter last night. If I remember, I’ll let you know how my Minute Maid Park grass turns out.
Great fireworks show last night. It was really good. I love the fireworks. I think I need to go to more Friday games. Anyone is welcome to come with me. Adam Dunn watched them with his kid from the Nationals dugout last night. That was nice to see. Chris Sampsom went to visit with him after the game. Cool to see.
Check out Taras Bulba series preview for information regarding the rest of the series.
There was some action in the Game Zone last night.
If you need some beach reading, check out Limey Time. It’s a great read for a lazy afternoon.
Busy weekend ahead and I have no other random thoughts at the moment. Have a good one everyone