Astros 3 Halos 2
WP: Neshek (3-0)
LP: Street (2-1)
S: Gregerson (7)
contributed by Mr. Happy
In what was for me the most satisfying win of the young season, the Astros erupted for three runs in the top of the ninth frame against Huston Street, a top-shelf closer, in Anaheim to hang an L on Mr. Street. The Good Guys were held scoreless for eight innings by starter Hector Santiago and two relievers. Clinging to a 2-0 lead, the Halos turned the game over to Huston Street for the top of the ninth.
Colby Rasmus greeted Mr. Street with a line drive single to RF. Chris Carter woke up in time to line a single to LF, moving Rasmus to 2B. After a typical flyout by Castro the Astro, Jake Marisnick lined an RBI single to LF, which scored Rasmus and moved Robbie Grossman, who had been inserted as a pinch-runner for Carter, to 2B. Preston Tucker picked a very opportune time to collect his first big league hit, scoring Grossman and moving Marisnick to 3B, with Tucker taking 2B on the throw. After walking Jonathan Villar to load the sacks, this brought the Piranha to the plate with ducks on the pond. Facing a 1-2 count, Altuve was given another snake, but made contact and grounded it to 2B, scoring Marisnick with the lead run. At this point, the Halos put the hook on Mr. Street, but it was too late. Luke Gregerson got up and down in order in the ninth to save the game.
It was a meager output for the high-octane offense, consisting of six hits. No Astro had a multi-hit game. Yet it was enough. This is a very important win for a few reasons. For starters, it’s on the road and is against a division rival. Secondly, it breaks a short losing streak. Third, it is a come-from-behind win. I don’t think that the club could have come back in recent years. This team believes that it can win every game and is never out of it. That’s exactly the attitude that you want.
Once again, the good pitching returned to the scene, led by Collin McHugh’s 7.1 innings of five hit two run ball, followed up by what is quickly becoming a lockdown bully.
This brought home a win by Waldo, who took in the game and who observed in the GZ that the front-running Halos fans headed for the exits after Altuve’s RBI groundout. Speaking of the Game Zone, come see us. However, if you do, bring it strong or STFU.