by Sphinx Drummond
Astros over Padres 1-0
Harrell W 7-6
Richard L 5-8
In a delightfully fast paced game, and battling against mound opponent Clayton Richard in somewhat of a semi-classic pitchers duel, Lucas Harrell threw the first complete game shutout of his career to lead the Astros to a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Padres. The game took one hour and 57 minutes to play and it was wonderful. It was a National League game.
I’m going to remember this game, and cherish it, because next year, the likelihood of seeing this kind of game will be quite diminished as AL ball is simply not conducive to low scoring, fast paced baseball. For instance, next years division rivals the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim scored 17 or 23 runs in last nights 2 hour and 49 minute thumping of Baltimore and the DFW Rangers had 11 or 14, or something like that, in a 3 hour and 20 minute snooze fest. After a fashion, runs are just runs. Boring. They’re everywhere, who cares.
Clayton Richard pitched a nice game for the Padres, giving up only two hits, striking out five, walking none over 7 innings. Unfortunately, one hit was all it took, a Matt Downs solo shot, a 410 foot blast to left center field was the difference on the scoreboard. The homer by Downs started the third inning, then Richard retired the next 15 batters he faced. If he were Roy Oswalt, he would have commented after the game, that he “has to pitch a shutout for a chance to get a win.”
If possible, the game was closer than the score would indicate. The bottom of the ninth was a nail biter, Lucas had to work out of a 9th inning bases loaded jam, striking out the Nick Hundley to secure the victory. It also took a stellar defensive play – throw by Martinez and tag by Snyder to save a run at the plate by gunning down Alexi Amarista to get the second out of the inning.
Harrell was fantastic. He takes about 12 seconds between pitches. He knows when to nibble and when not to. He struck out 7 while walking 4 and allowed 6 hits over the 9 innings he turned in. He’s been one of the best surprises on the Astros this year. I’m sure he is exceeding even the most optimistic fan’s expectations.
And even though Jose Altuve missed his third game in a row with a hammy strain, this game still had a lot to offer, great pitching, good defensive plays, it was decided by a home run. The game even had some comedy relief. In what MLB.com called a nice play, Carlos Lee did his soon-to-be-famous beached whale routine. Check out the videos here.