Astros 7 Rockies 5
contributed by Mr. Happy
The Astros rode back-to-back jacks by Chris Carter (a three run shot) and en fuego Matt Dominguez (his eighth) to gain a rare come-from-behind road win against the Rockies 7-5. In what is becoming all too common, Lucas Harrell battled his command and himself, but he pitched well enough to garner the W. Brad Peacock relieved Harrell in the sixth inning and incredibly tossed 2.1 frames of one hit relief for a hold. Because Jose Veras wasn’t available after having thrown three days in a row, Hector Ambriz relieved Wesley Wright in the ninth inning to gain his first save.
Harrell came perilously close to getting tossed by Balking Bob Davidson after questioning a time out call that Harrell felt was too late. I had the opportunity to spend a little time with Davidson back in the late 80’s or early 90’s. Davidson takes no shit from players or managers; he has very rigid ideas about how to run a game. When his mask comes off, as it did with Harrell last night, he’s close to forcing someone to take an early shower.
According to Steve Sparks last night, Harrell also got upset about a play that Chris Carter didn’t get to in left field. At this level, Harrell needs to get past that shit. If he can’t, then he either needs therapy or medication or both. Umpires and teammates are going to not measure up in your eyes regularly. If he continues to let that get to him, then it will arrest his development as a pitcher. Just sayin’.
I listened to much of this game on my phone while driving around Toledo, interspersed with oral directions from my phone GPS since I don’t know Toledo and have no sense of direction or spatial awareness, i.e., north, south, etc. I plan on venturing to Fifth Third Stadium, the home of the storied Toledo Mudhens. I’ve already purchased the obligatory Mudhens cap as well as a Toledo Rockets cap and tie, me being a company man and all.
The Astros head to Anaheim to take on the Halos. Come join us in the GameZone. We might even discuss the game.