Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Astros 2
Royals 5
W: Marte | L: Myers | S: Sorio
The fading day helped the Good Guys carry a lead for most of this one, but their fading starter helped give that lead up. A first inning double by Pence, aided by the setting sun in the eyes of Royals’ LF and Astro-killah Posednik, plated 2 early runs and gutty pitching again by Myers had the Astros cruising towards another possible series win.
The lead even survived some official buffoonery in the bottom of the 5th. Man on 2nd with one out, batter hits a sinking liner to Blum at SS. Runner at 2nd takes off. Blum traps the ball, sees runner almost to 3rd and starts to wheel towards 1st. But Blum hears and sees 2nd base ump calling a catch and out so he wisely trots to 2nd for the DP. Umpires gather ’round as the Astros leave the field.
Yost, Mills, bat boys, Quanell X, EVERYBODY was consulted and a evidently fitting conclusion was reached on what happened and what should be done about it. Since the catch call was obviously blown, Blum’s initial reactions were probably taken into account so the runner on base was allowed 3rd since Blum didn’t attempt a throw there. The batter, however, was out since Blum appeared to be going there for the out. 6-3. Got it? Astros trotted back onto the field after what seemed like 10-12 minutes and Myers calmly got the next batter to line out to Blum.
The 7th is where this one crumbled. Leading 2-0, Myers was still looking sharp as the first 2 Royals are retired, but he gave up a single to Aviles. Myers then gets Betemit to ground weakly back to the right side of the mound but his bare-handed effort failed and the inning continued. Next batter Betancourt then singles, scoring Aviles and it’s looking like Myers might be done. Mills leaves him in to face Posednik. 3-run homer to right. From up by 2 to down by 2, all with 2 out.
More Silver Boot silliness this weekend as the stRangers hit town. Feldman @ Wandy tomorrow night. 7:05 CDT.
OK, gotta run and get my rest for the early-morning drinking I have planned at my local. USA vs. Slovenia at 10AM my time. I could get to like this soccer.