Astros at Braves, 5/2/2010
Braves 7, Astros 1
W: Lowe (4-2) L: Norris (1-3)
U-G-L-Y. That’s all you can say about this one.
The only highlight of the game was a bizarro-world DP in which Berkman intentionally dropped a bunt with runners on 1st and 2nd, got the force at 2b, and then a tag of the runner going to 3b. Even more bizzare was that DoRay and Berkman all knew that the infield fly rule is not in play on a bunt attempt. Just your typical 3-6-5 DP.
Of course, this was after the Braves had already scored 3 in the frame, making it 4-0 and putting the game out of reach. The Braves made Norris pay when he was wild, plating 3 of their 4 walks. Norris continued to get little in the way of defensive help, as opposing teams continue to show that you can go 1st to 3rd on the Astros at will. Bourn did make a nice diving stab in CF to start the 5th to keep the damage to 7 runs instead of 8, and Fulchino and Lyon looked good in relief.
Emphemera, tidbits, and things just to keep me interested in yet another blowout:
– the Astros have been outscored 37 to 12 in the last 6 games;
– the Atlanta organist played “Bo(u)rn to Run”, which I think passes for high wit in the world of at-bat music;
– Jeff Keppinger and Michael Bourn lead the team in slugging, coming in at 59th and 62nd, respectively, in the NL among qualifying hitters;
– Gas Can came in just to stay sharp, which will happen when you sweep a crappier opponent as you come off a 9-game losing streak;
– Gas Can has apparently finished puberty, as he is now sporting a full beard in celebration of his announced retirement.
Astros come home to face the Diamondbacks, last seen getting swept by the Cubs.