Thursday, August 13, 2009
Astros 2
Marlins 9
W: West | L: Hampton
astros.com
AP via Yahoo!
Game Zone
I had a bad feeling about this game as I powered up the Samsung in the bottom of the 1st. The HD image appeared just as Jorge Cantu’s 2-run shot bounced around the empty seats in left and it seemed my fears were founded. Another 2-out single and I wondered what the over/under was on Coop pulling Hampton.
Fast forward to the bottom of the 5th with the Astros trailing by just one. Since the 1st, Hampton had knuckled down and kept the Fish scoreless while his RBI single in the top of the inning cut their deficit in half. First batter, #8 hitter Ronny Paulino, Hampton grooved a first-pitch fastball and Paulino sent that fucker way out in center, out where they don’t even sit for Dolphin games. Still, Hampton got out of the 5th with no more damage and looked to be fine.
Again??!!
Imagine my surprise, just as I was finished marveling at this wonderfully bad local commercial, Chris Sampson showed up on my screen, WARMING UP ON THE MOUND, AGAIN!!! Apparently, Hampton suffered a shoulder strain at some point in the game. The details of the 6th are moot. Sampson faced the entire Marlins line-up, retiring only 2 by the time Coop woke up and put Bazardo in to get the last out. 6 runs. 9-1 Marlins. Sampson was sent to Round Rock immediately following the game.
The Astros are now 7.5 back in the Central and 8 back in the wildcard with teams-o-plenty above them. And now, it’s on to Wrigley North for 3 with the Brewfarts.
Personal Message
A shout out to my college friend Terry who’s a coach with McAllister Park Little League in San Antonio. The Texas West team beat Texas East (Bridge City) last night to become the first team from San Antonio to make it to Williamsport. Congratulations, McAllister Park! Go get ’em!