Astros 2
White Sox 1
Contributed by NeilT
Except for Wednesdays, it’s been a tough couple of weeks, with the Astros going 3-7 in their last ten games. It could be worse though. I tried to turn things around last Saturday by bringing back Astroleena, but then I was informed by a very good source that I’d misspelled her name: Astrolina, not Astroleena. Fail. We have to move on.
But it is what it is, and since we’re playing the White Sox, and since the White Sox are just about my favorite team ever, what with Disco Night, gangster styling, and baseball shorts, I thought it was time to work smarter, not harder. After all, there is no I in team, and this has to be a team effort. Last week saw Fredia criticizing Porter for how he staffed the bullpen, Ron Brand criticizing Porter for how he used the bullpen, everybody criticizing Chris Carter for his very occasional strike-outs, everybody criticizing PeteM for showing up, Mr. Happy surely criticizing some pitcher, and JimR surely criticizing Mr. Happy for criticizing some pitcher. Even this series’ preview seemed to me to be a wee bit less than chipper. C’mon, people! Too much negativity, man! Happiness is a choice! It’s time for some positive vibes, and that takes serious platitudinal adjustment. It’s time to repress those individual downers for the collective good!
To help things along, this recap is well-stocked with useful and positive catch-phrases that you should try to work into your daily postings. Perception is reality, and use of these handy phrases will infiltrate the team psyche and guarantee success on the field. Just think positive: As fans you have a responsibility. Failure is not an option.
This is a season where you have to look on the bright side. The Astros are rebuilding, and time will tell, but it will all be worth it in the end. Their time will come. Patience is a virtue.
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
First Inning. Bedard pitching. Don’t let it eat at you. Three up, three down.
Sale for the Sox, Barnes strikes out, Altuve singles and steals second, Martinez and Corporan strike out. Three Ks. What’s done is done. Get on with your life.
Second Inning. Konerko BB. Dunn BB. Viciedo F7, Keppinger L5, Wells 1B, Flowers K. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Chris Carter Ks. Own it and move on. Cedeno L4, Paredes 5-3. It could be worse.
Third Inning. Three up, three down. This is better than it could be.
Dominguez 1B, Crowe Ks, Barnes Ks, Altuve 6-4. It wasn’t meant to be.
Fourth Inning. Konerko 2B, to 3rd on passed ball. Dunn rbi sac to 9. What’s done is done. Viciendo L 9, Keppinger F8. Something will turn up.
Sox 1, Astros 0. The only thing to fear is fear itself.
Martinez F8, Corporan K, Carter L6. Don’t linger on the past.
Fifth Inning. Wells walks, Flowers Ks, Becham Ks. Ramirez 1b, Wells to 3rd. Take it one day at a time. Rios Ks.
Cedeno to 1rst on E6, Paredes K, Domingues F9. Cedeno to 2b on wild pitch. Crowe walks. Barnes to 1B on E6, Cedeno scores. Altuve 1B rbi, Martinez Ks. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Patience is a virtue.
Sox 1, Astros 2. It all comes out in the wash.
Sixth Inning. Three up, three down. They’re in a better place.
Corporan Ks. Carter Ks. Just don’t think about it. Cedeno F8.
Seventh Inning. Cisneros in for Bedard. Keppinger F8, Wells 4-3, Flowers 1B, Becham 1B. Let it slide off your back. Ramirez 5-4. You just need to believe in yourself. A nod’s as good as a wink.
Paredes Ks, Dominguez 4-3, Crowe 1B, steals 2nd, steals 3rd, Barnes Ks. It wasn’t meant to be.
Eighth Inning. Rios Ks, Konerko 1B. Blackley for Cedeno. It’s always darkest before the dawn. Dunn 3-6 double play.
Altuve F9, Martinez 4-3, Carter Ks. You have to know you limitations. Keep a stiff upper lip.
Ninth Inning. Veras in for Blackley. Viciedo F7, Keppinger BB. This is just a bump in the road. Gillaspie F8. Flowers Ks. Good things happen to those who wait.
Bedard pitched a nice game. 14 strikeouts for Sale, who pitched a complete game. 3 Ks for Carter. What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.
All things must pass.