April 2, 2007
Pirates 4, Astros 2 (10 innings)
W: Matt Capps | L: Chad Qualls | S: Solomon Torres
BS: Brad Lidge
Pigpen watch:
2,931 (1x4)
GameZone threadFight about it in the
TalkZoneOther coverage:
AP storyAlyson Footer
In 1969, Larry Dierker pitched 20 complete games.
Would that be too much to ask of Roy O? Hook him up to another DieHard if you have to, but the bullpen already seems little improved over the 2006 version. The Wiz and his counterparts are gonna need to eat some serious innings this year.
After struggling to find the strike zone in the first inning, Oswalt picked up steam quickly. While he wasn't necessarily overpowering hitters, he worked quickly and efficiently. The pace of the game was so fast that Lidge took the mound in the top of the 9th at just over the two hour mark. Any hopes of an early end to the Opening Day win were attached to the ball that sailed off of Xavier Nady's bat and into the facade above the Crawford Boxes. The boo-birds in attendance showed that they do not have a very short memory. At least, we're
pretty sure they were booing, since Luke Scott was just standing in right field and not really doing anything worthy of praise at the moment. After the Astros went in order in the bottom half, Qualls' two-run gopherball in the first extra frame did not help matters much.
The offensive side was not much better. Chances are you're having a bad day on the base paths if the opposing center fielder gets two outfield assists. Chris Duffy pegged Scott at second on a greedy double attempt, and later gunned down Chris Burke trying to score from second on a liner by Oswalt. Duffy's throw even drew the catcher Paulino to his right, but he still had time to come back and tag Burke as he slid. Instant replay was inconclusive as to whether or not Burke actually touched the plate with his hand, but he was a goner either way. Scott provided the only run-scoring offense for the good guys, with a two-run blast to deep right-center just to the right of the hill.
Here's hoping Jason Jennings can channel the spirit of the Wrangler in his Astro debut tomorrow at 7:05pm CDT.
