Astros at Nationals, 9/20/2010
Astros 8, gNats 2
W: Norris (9-8), L: Livan (10-12)
HR: Quintero(!) (4), Blum(!!) (2)
Things didn’t start well, as Bud gave up two in the first; just a one out walk-single-double combo that had you saying “uh oh”. Fortunately, Bud settled down from there, going 6 2/3 innings with only those two runs allowed. (Note to “Norris to the bullpen” faction: this is what good starters do – they push through and get you quality innings even after struggles.)
Even more fortunately, the Astros went on to win for the 10th time in Bud’s last 11 starts.
CJ started the rally in the 5th, down 2-1, with a leadoff double. Then the Nationals did what bad teams do, falling apart with multiple errors and home runs. The end result was a 7 run frame that effectively ended the game, including Q fishing one into the left field seats, and Blum turning on one for a bomb over the RF bully.
Byrdak cleaned up a bases loaded jam in the 7th by striking out Dunn, and that was that.
Hurry, Astros! There are only 12 games left to reach .500!