Cards 11, Astros 7
W: McClellan (4-0) L: Abad (1-2) SV: Salas (1)
I knew I was going to miss this game due to a prior commitment, so I had recorded it. There was no suspense when I watched it, in fast forward, because I had read the GameZone. Just like watching a train wreck, I watched the Cardinals win the game in the 6th inning. All they needed was that one inning. The Astros scored 7 runs in 9 innings, but it was not enough to cover for that one inning.
I would also like to point out that Jose Valdez pitched two scoreless innings to get his healthy ERA down to 9.00. I am unsure how Fernando only has two losses and an ERA of 4.15. I guess all the runs crossing the plate aren’t his. I do wonder if he realizes he is suppose to prevent them from scoring??
On March 31st, I shared some observations for anyone willing to read them. I had just attended the exhibition game the Astros played against the Red Sox. I stand 1000% behind what I said about Pence.
RF – Hunter Pence – Ugh. I for the life of me cannot understand why fans love him. He looks HORRID in the field. I have a feeling Hunter will do enough to maintain the FotF tag he’s been given but I really think it needs to go to someone else.
One thing I have noticed of late that Hunter does is run into the HEB sign in right field. He is so ball-to-the-wall (or whatever it is you guys say) on those plays that he is like a cartoon character hitting the wall. I think those hits have addled his brain.
In regard to Lance Berkman, I have no kind thoughts for him. I understand he is doing what he has to do in order to stay in the game. I just wish he had wanted to stay in the game when the Astros had him under contract. Then again, I’m really not disappointed he is gone. Mr. Wallace is doing okay at 1B and I think the slugging is going to start coming around. He seems to have gotten comfortable around the plate. Now things are going to get interesting.