Padres 0, Astros 1
W: Bud Norris, L: Dustin Moseley, S: Brandon Lyon, H: Mark Melancon
This was a fun game to attend. Bud Norris did a good job for 6 innings of work before being pulled for pinch hitter in the 6th. His opponent is currently snake-bitten receiving no run support in three games this season. Thankfully, for the Astros, he gives up just enough to lose.
Great moment/player of the game last night. Mark Melancon He came in to relief Fernando Abad who had gotten one out in the 7th and had one on base. Melancon got the double play and the Astros get to come up to bat. Two men on and Brad Mills, manager extraordinary, sent Melancon to bat. With a 2-2 count, he apparently thought he is struck out on ball three and started to walk to the dugout. So, back to the batter’s box he went. He then proceeded to get a walk, possibly the best at-bat by an Astro this season (most entertaining at least). He was stranded there when Bourn makes the 3rd out.
Melancon also pitched a great 8th inning to hold the Padres to scoreless frame. There was some excitement when Patterson reached on catcher’s interference. Patterson was eventually thrown out at home when Orlando Hudson reached on a fielder’s choice out, first baseman Brett Wallace to catcher Humberto Quintero for the second out. The top of the 8th inning ended with a Ludwick strikeout.
Michael Bourn got the only RBI. He and others missed opportunities to score more, but only one was needed this night. Limey’s preview seemed to have it right about the Padres.
Things overheard at MMP and on the radio:
In the bottom of the 8th inning when Melancon got into a bit of trouble, “This kid sucks.” Yeah, that 0.00 ERA sucks.
After Bourn made the final out in the 7th inning, “ Bourn sucks.” Mind you Bourn got the only RBI of the game, while Sanchez, Pence and Lee were combined for 1 for 10 on the night.
Heard on the radio:
Let’s trade the Astros for the retired Space Shuttle. Seriously? I know it was joke, but part of the statement wasn’t. They then proceed to say a new owner would spend money on the team? Well, you know what, Drayton spent money on some areas of the team, i.e. Carlos Lee, how about that? Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
Tidbits:
I’m going to the game again tonight. Should be interesting to hear what others have to say. Who am I kidding the shit you hear is never interesting, just stupid.
A note to the usher who patrols section 127, she might want to ease up a bit. The need to check tickets as strictly as she does might be a bit harsh. It’s not like anyone sitting in a purchased seat can’t get up and move to a lower row where no one is sitting. Just be glad some is there to walk by you.
Oh and I have a 2-game win streak on recaps.