Astros bounce Royals in rubber game 3-2
W: Lyles (2-1)
L: Shields (2-5)
SV: Veras (8)
contributed by Sphinx Drummond
Wednesdays are good to the Astros. The team’s record for Wednesdays improved to 5 wins against 3 losses. If they played all their games on Wednesdays the Astros would finish the season with a 101-61 won-loss record and probably win their division. It wouldn’t make a lot of sense though, because unless they played a lot of double headers, the season would last a little over three years. It would never happen, not with a traditionalist like Bud Selig running the show. We all know how Selig values history and tradition, he’d never go for a Wednesdays only schedule and certainly not if it would be an advantage for the Astros. FYB.
J. D. Martinez’s two run jack in the first turned out to be enough as Jordan Lyles was solid in his 6 innings of work, allowing only one run on 6 hits while walking one and striking out three. It was a rare good night for the bullpen, allowing no runs, with Travis Blackley, Hector Ambriz, and Jose Veras each working a scoreless inning.
The Astros added an insurance run in the eighth, the run was charged to Royal pitcher James Shields. Shields, who didn’t pitch a bad game, is having a hard luck season so far falling to 2-5 though boasting an ERA of 2.47. The Royals join the fallen Angels and the slimy Mariners (twice) as the only teams to lose a series against the Astros.
When he was signed to be a closer, Jose Veras was a big concern for a lot of Astros fans. He had 5 saves in 17 opportunities prior to this season. When he stared this season by blowing two of his first three opportunities, it was ugly. But he has really bounced back well since, saving seven in a row including Wednesday’s game. He might not be so bad after all.
The Astros have an off day Thursday and then welcome the the Oakland Athletics in to Minute Maid Park for a three game series this weekend.