Astros 3, Cubs 1
W: Brett Myers, L: Doug Davis, S: Mark Melancon
The Astros were able to come back in all three games of the series to win ’em all. Great job boys. There is no better treat for a fan in baseball than to have your team beat the Cubs.
Next up the San Diego Padres.
Dodgers 1, Astros 2
W: Mark Melancon; L: Matt Guerrier
The Astros have won two series in a row. The longest game-win streak of the season is 3, but I’ll take winning series too.
This was a quick game, time wise. An-Rod gave up 1 run in 6 innings, a homerun to Matt Kemp. He had a pretty good game. He seems to be taking advantage of the opportunity given him.
The excitement came in the bottom of the ninth when JR “Rodeoclown” Towles hit a single to score Brian Bogusevic (pinch running for Brett Wallace who had doubled).
Next up are the hated (hahaha) Diamondbacks from Arizona. I think tickets are still available. I do know Saturday is Faith and Family night, Bayou Bash and Replica Jersey give away. Could be a fun time at MMP.
Bench tidbits:
A shout out to my nephew who is having his Eagle Scout presentation on Saturday. Way to go Thomas!
Astros 2, Cardinals 4
W: Kyle McClellan, L: J.A. Happ, S: Fernando Salas
I was shocked to realize the Astros have only lost 5 in a row. It seems like more. Then again, they are 2-8 in the last 10 games. I also don’t think going across the border (Northern one) is going to be good for them.
Happ pitched okay (8 strike outs), even the bullpen was okay. They were in no way great, but my expectations are incredibly low and getting lower after each game.
If I had gone to a game with friends these topics might have been discussed:
–Bridesmaides– That movie is fucking hilarious. It was funny. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.
–Sandcastle contest– First weekend in June, Galveston, Texas. Good times.
–Graduations– One niece graduated from Texas State last weekend and one nephew graduates from high school Memorial Day weekend.
–Dancing with the Stars– Who do you think will win? I’m betting on Hines Ward. Dude can move. He’s got a really, really nice body too.
–Vacations– Anyone taking one? I have no idea what I’m going to do but have some options thankfully.
–Boys– We always talk about boys.
Reds 6, Astros 1
W: Travis Wood, L: Aneury Rodriguez
We all knew this season was going to be tough. I think we might have gotten a little ahead of ourselves, at least I might have, with thinking this team might have some run scoring – minus homeruns – ability.
The last few games the offense has been horrid. Mr. Wallace cannot seem to buy a hit or walk with runners on the bases, yet he was doing so great you could hear the shouts of “bat him 3rd.” I think part of those shouts were to remove Hunter from hitting 3rd.
I’m not sure how Hunter has done it, but he’s having a pretty decent season to date.
Bourn seems to get on base and then gets left there.
Carlos Lee breaks my heart. I really wish him well. No one wants to go out the way it seems he may.
Drayton McLane may be gone by the end of the month, maybe even sooner. Jim Crane, who I know nothing about, is rumored to be the buyer. I just hope good things happen.
Nothing else to report except that Nelson was DFA’d last night.
Astros 2, Reds 3
W: Francisco Cordero, L: Brandon Lyon
The Astros came into this game on a 3-game winning streak. Their longest win streak of the short season. This was a great game to watch. New starting pitcher for the Astros, Aneury Rodriguez , pitched 5 innings of 1-hit (which should have been an E9) and 1-walk baseball. Wilton Lopez, Fernando Abad, Mark Melancon and even Jeff Fulchino combined to pitched 3 innings of scoreless baseball.
The Astros hitter got 2 runs in the third off a JR Towles double, then a sacrifice by Rodriguez, a walk by Bourn, a single by Bourgeious, a single by Pence and a GiDP by Mr. Wallace to leave Bourgeious stranded on the bases.
Not much else happened offensively for the Astros.
The Reds were able to score 3 (because they didn’t need anymore) off of Brandon Lyon. He didn’t have a good outing. You can read the GameZone if you need more reaction.
The make up game from Monday’s rainout is today. You can read about it in Ebby Calvin’s preview or post in the GameZone’s Game Day Thread.
Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!!! Have a drink for me.
Cards 11, Astros 7
W: McClellan (4-0) L: Abad (1-2) SV: Salas (1)
I knew I was going to miss this game due to a prior commitment, so I had recorded it. There was no suspense when I watched it, in fast forward, because I had read the GameZone. Just like watching a train wreck, I watched the Cardinals win the game in the 6th inning. All they needed was that one inning. The Astros scored 7 runs in 9 innings, but it was not enough to cover for that one inning.
I would also like to point out that Jose Valdez pitched two scoreless innings to get his healthy ERA down to 9.00. I am unsure how Fernando only has two losses and an ERA of 4.15. I guess all the runs crossing the plate aren’t his. I do wonder if he realizes he is suppose to prevent them from scoring??
On March 31st, I shared some observations for anyone willing to read them. I had just attended the exhibition game the Astros played against the Red Sox. I stand 1000% behind what I said about Pence.
RF – Hunter Pence – Ugh. I for the life of me cannot understand why fans love him. He looks HORRID in the field. I have a feeling Hunter will do enough to maintain the FotF tag he’s been given but I really think it needs to go to someone else.
One thing I have noticed of late that Hunter does is run into the HEB sign in right field. He is so ball-to-the-wall (or whatever it is you guys say) on those plays that he is like a cartoon character hitting the wall. I think those hits have addled his brain.
In regard to Lance Berkman, I have no kind thoughts for him. I understand he is doing what he has to do in order to stay in the game. I just wish he had wanted to stay in the game when the Astros had him under contract. Then again, I’m really not disappointed he is gone. Mr. Wallace is doing okay at 1B and I think the slugging is going to start coming around. He seems to have gotten comfortable around the plate. Now things are going to get interesting.
