April 14, 2007
Astros 9, Phillies 6W: Hamels (1-0) | L: Williams (0-2) | S: Gordon (2)
Pigpen watch: 2,940 (1x5)
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Joseph Santoquilito at Astros.comAP
Woody Williams' second loss of 2007 was pretty similar to his first. The Phillies dropped five earnies on him in 5+, contributing to an 8-5 Houston loss. The Astros are 4-6.
Houston actually held a 4-1 advantage in the 4th inning after a 3-run crank by Jason Lane, but the Phillies answered with a 3-spot of their own in the bottom half of the 4th. After trading blows and reaching a 5-5 tie, Williams left the game in the bottom of the 6th with Jimmy Rollins on first and one out. Trever Miller was brought in to give up the lead on a double after getting a second out, and the Astros elected to intentionally walk Ryan Howard to eliminate the open base. Brad Lidge then came on and resumed his struggles, giving up another run and then walking the bases loaded before getting out of the inning.
Despite a 3x5 day at the plate, it was not a particularly good mental day (is there such a thing?) for MoBerg. In the 2nd inning, he was doubled off second with 1 out after taking off on a fly ball to center by Lane. He was already crossing the plate when the ball was caught, and his out ended the inning. He also botched a throw to first on a 2-out grounder by Pat Burrell. The ball got by Fatty at first, allowing Burrell to get to second. Abraham Nunez then knocked him in on the next play, accounting for Woody's one unearned run.
With Jason Jennings taking a breather for his elbow, the rotation has been mixed up somewhat, and Wandy Rodriguez will pitch on Sunday (provided the game is not postponed due to weather). If they do play, Freddy Garcia will go for the Phils. First pitch is 12:35pm CT.
