Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

[OregonStrosFan]

Astros

CF Michael Bourn
2B Jeff Keppinger
3B Pedro Feliz
LF Carlos Lee
RF Hunter Pence
1B Geoff Blum
SS Tommy Manzella
C Humberto Quintero
P Wandy Rodriguez

FTCs

SS Ryan Theriot
CF Marlon Byrd
1B Derrek Lee
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Xavier Nady
LF Alfonso Soriano
2B Jeff Baker
C Geovany Soto
P Ryan Dempster

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Nice anthem singing. Fuck the Cubs

[hostros7]

Nice anthem singing. Fuck the Cubs

fuck the cubs and cum dempster

[Lurch]

Nice anthem singing. Fuck the Cubs

Agreed.  That was really well done.  And fuck the cubs.

[matadorph]

Nice to see Bourn back in the lineup and Kaz still out of it.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 1: Dumpster pitching

Bourn:  cs, fb, fb, b, fb, b, b, grounded out to 2B. 1 out.

Kepp: s, b, dribbler back to dumpster. 2 outs.

Feliz: b, fb, b, ss, fb. popped up tp 1B. 3 outs.

Middle 1: HOU 0, FTC 0

[Lurch]

I heard Brownie say look for Lance to be back on Tuesday, but didnt hear how he did in RR.  Did they say?

[OregonStrosFan]

Wind blowing in today

[OregonStrosFan]

I heard Brownie say look for Lance to be back on Tuesday, but didnt hear how he did in RR.  Did they say?

0-2 with an RBI on a sac fly.

[matadorph]

I heard Brownie say look for Lance to be back on Tuesday, but didnt hear how he did in RR.  Did they say?

Went hitless on the night with a sac fly RBI.

[Ron Brand]

Blum with the sweet tag at first.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 1: Wandy pitching

Theriot: cs, b, grounded up the middle and backhanded by Kepp, throw easily in time.  1 out.

Byrd: cs, fb, soft line to Kepp. 2 outs.

Lee (14 of 29 vs. Wandy): cs, b, b, ss, roller to Feliz, throw to Blum drifts but Blum able to make the tag on DLee.  3 outs.

End 1: HOU 0, FTC 0

[Ron Brand]

I think Puma is supposed to go 7 innings today in RR. Cross your fingers.

[OregonStrosFan]

I heard Brownie say look for Lance to be back on Tuesday, but didnt hear how he did in RR.  Did they say?

Also, he had no pain and no swelling.

[Ron Brand]

Spaz and Blum with back to back singles. Dempster seems to be wild high.

[94CougarGrad]

Soto looks like a defensive lineman or something in that striped getup.

[Ron Brand]

Not giving the outside corner today, it seems.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 2: Dempster

Lee: b, cs, fly to shallow right caught by 2B.  1 out.

Spaz: line drive single to center. 1 out, Spaz on 1B.

Blum: throw over, cs, looper into right center, Spaz has to hold for a bit to make sure ball isn't caught and ends up at 2B. 1 out, runners at 1B and 2B.

Manzella: b, cs, fb, fb, b, ss (strikeout). 2 outs, runners at 1B and 2B.

Quintero: cs, b, b, ss, fb, b, ss (strikeout). 3 outs.

Middle 2: HOU 0, FTC 0

[Lurch]

A 7 pitch K, with only one of the pitches in the strike zone.

[94CougarGrad]

Call the ball, dammit!

[JaneDoe]

Aww, shit.

[94CougarGrad]

Manzella-Blum'd the Cubs!

[JaneDoe]

Great play by Manzella!!

[Ron Brand]

Outstanding play by Manzella and Blum!

Manzella snags the soft liner and then doubles the runner on first with a quick throw and tag by Blum.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 2: Wandy

Ramirez: b, single to shallow right, just between Kepp and Spaz. 0 out, runner on 1B.

Nady: cs, fb, b, sharp liner to SS, Manzella just gets Ramirez on the throw to 1B. 2 outs, none on (Blum start to go to the dugout thinking its 3 outs).

Soriano: cs, dribbler to 3B, throw to 1B in time.  3 outs.

End 2: HOU 0, FTC 0

[matadorph]

Bourn works a walk. What a novel idea.

[94CougarGrad]

Dempster must be aiming for the NAPA Auto Parts sign. He keeps angling his pitches low and in that direction, no matter which side the batter's on.

[Ron Brand]

I'm surprised he hasn't stolen second yet. Dempster doesn't seem particularly quick to the plate.

[Ron Brand]

Well, the fucking pitchout kinda takes care of that. Fuck.

[94CougarGrad]

Well, the fucking pitchout kinda takes care of that. Fuck.

You just earned a boot to the head.

[JaneDoe]

Well, the fucking pitchout kinda takes care of that. Fuck.

And then Kepp with single.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 3: Dumpster

Wandy: b, b, cs, groundout to 2B. 1 out.

Bourn: b, b, fb, b, b.  WALK!  1 out, speedy on 1B.

Keppinger: tox2, cs, b, tox2, pitchout Bourn caught easily (2 out, none on), fb, b, single up the middle. 2 outs, runner on 1B.

Feliz:  chopper to ss, throw to 2B for the force.  3 outs.

Middle 3: HOU 0, FTC 0

[94CougarGrad]

Well, that was certainly a different Jack-in-the-Box commercial.

[94CougarGrad]

JD: "That's (the lead-off walk) a bugaboo of Wandy's... if I can use that technical term, 'bugaboo.'"

[Lurch]

Well, that was certainly a different Jack-in-the-Box commercial.

Well done, Jack-in-the-Box!  Nearly spit up on my laptop

[Bench]

McTaggart notes that the Astros have used 12 different batting orders in their 12 games.

Anybody seen Mr. Weebles?

[94CougarGrad]

Friggin' shit-ass bunt by Dumpster.

[JaneDoe]

Damnit.  Great bunt.  How come the Astros can't seem to do that?

[94CougarGrad]

Always nice when the pitcher's payin' attention. Nice fielding by Wandy.

[JaneDoe]

Well crap. 2 run single. 

[JimR]

Bourn works a walk. What a novel idea.

try some Midol. all you do is bitch, bitch, bitch.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 3: Wandy

Baker: ss, ss, b, b, b, b (walk).  1 on, none out.

Soto: cs, b, b, b, ss, to, signle to left with runner going, holds at 2B.  0 out, runners at 1B and 2B,

Dempster: (showing bunt) s, bunt to Wandy towards 3B line, runners advance. 1 out, runners on 2B and 3B.

Theriot: fb,  bouncer back to Wandy, has Baker a bit hung up at 3B but took the sure out at 1B. 2 outs, runners at 2B and 3B.

Byrd: cs, ss, single to left, 2 score. 2 outs, runner at 1B. HOU 0, FTC 2

DLee: s, s, to, b, to, b, fb, fb, ss. 3 outs.

End 3: HOU 0, FTC 2

[OregonStrosFan]

Oh yeah, and FTC!

[matadorph]

try some Midol. all you do is bitch, bitch, bitch.

wow, that's rich coming from you. I am nothing if not a sunshine pumping homer. still, nine team walks on the season is terrible plate discipline.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 4: Dumpster

Lee: b, s, cs, fb, ss (strikeout). 1 out.

Spaz: ss, bouncer to Baker at 2B. 2 outs, none on.

Blum: b, b, b, cs, flyout to left center. 3 outs.

Middle 4: HOU 0, FTC 2

[matadorph]

Puma with a first-inning double and rbi in RR.

[Rebel Jew]

wow, that's rich coming from you. I am nothing if not a sunshine pumping homer. still, nine team walks on the season is terrible plate discipline.

spaz aside, i think the reason for the low walks is just lack of overall hitting ability more than a lack of plate discipline.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 4: Wandy

Ramirez: b, cs, b, b, ss, flied out to Bourn. 1 out.

Nady: s, ss, b, tapper off the end of the bat to Kepp. 2 outs.

Bunny-hop-bitch: 1-hopper to Manzella on 2-1 pitch. 3 outs.

End 4: HOU 0, FTC 2

[matadorph]

spaz aside, i think the reason for the low walks is just lack of overall hitting ability more than a lack of plate discipline.

absolutely, but if we can't make biting remarks about a glaring team deficiency in the goddamn game zone....
 

[Ron Brand]

It ended with a strikeout, but Q took ten pitches to get there. Good work.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 5: Dempster

Manzella: strikeout, tried to check his swinging but they say he didn't (BS call). 1 out.

Q: full count, fb, fb, fb, ss (strikeout). 2 outs.

Wandy: strikeout. 3 outs.

Middle 5: HOU 0, FTC 2

[Rebel Jew]

absolutely, but if we can't make biting remarks about a glaring team deficiency in the goddamn game zone....
 

but again, it's not a glaring deficiency in the way that you suggested.  it's not like if the team would just start working for walks then their fortunes would improve.  i mean, right as i type this, quintero is displaying plate discipline against dempster before simply whiffing terribly on a 3-2 fastball to strike out.

[94CougarGrad]

Dumpster's second sac bunt, JD says, is in keeping with being Canadian, as they are, by nature, a very sacrificial people.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 5: Wandy

Astros have yet to score a run this season for Wandy while he has been on the mound

Baker: fb, ss, dribbler towards 1B line, Wandy there, turns and throws for the out. 1 out.

Soto: s, singles into right. 1 out, runner on 1B.

Dempster: sac bunts Soto to 2B. 2 outs, runner at 2B.

Theriot: b, b, bullet back to Wandy who makes the glove-save for the out. 3 outs.

End 5: HOU 0, FTC 2

[94CougarGrad]

Pitch, hit, snag, sha-ZAM, Wandy sends Theriot packing.

[matadorph]

but again, it's not a glaring deficiency in the way that you suggested.  it's not like if the team would just start working for walks then their fortunes would improve.  i mean, right as i type this, quintero is displaying plate discipline against dempster before simply whiffing terribly on a 3-2 fastball to strike out.

Quintero's ab there showed marked improvement from his first AB. However, my comment was directed mostly at Spazz and Carlos Lee. Neither one has been particularly selective at the plate so far this season. Carlos I'm not worried about because he's a solid professional hitter who will certainly break out soon. Pence is another matter altogether.

[OregonStrosFan]

but again, it's not a glaring deficiency in the way that you suggested.  it's not like if the team would just start working for walks then their fortunes would improve.  i mean, right as i type this, quintero is displaying plate discipline against dempster before simply whiffing terribly on a 3-2 fastball to strike out.

Qs strikeout there was more of the exception than the rule I'd think.  Plate discipline has been almost non-existent this year.  8 walks by position players in 11 games sucks, period.

[Rebel Jew]

Quintero's ab there showed marked improvement from his first AB. However, my comment was directed mostly at Spazz and Carlos Lee. Neither one has been particularly selective at the plate so far this season. Carlos I'm not worried about because he's a solid professional hitter who will certainly break out soon. Pence is another matter altogether.

your comment was directed at bourn, but no biggie.  spazz is a total mess, but as has been said before should probably just focus on being a reggie sanders-type lower order free-swinger and get the hell out of his own hamster brain as fast as he can.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 6: Dumpster

Bourn: tapper back to the pitcher, throw to 1B easily in time. 1 out.

Kepp: b, b, b, cs, cs, flies out almost to the track in right.  2 outs.

Feliz: b, cs, 2-hopper to errormiss at 3B. 3 outs.

Middle 6: HOU 0, FTC 2

[Ron Brand]

It ain't necessarily working for walks, it's working to get a pitch to hit and not flailing away or swinging at the first thing you see. Or trying to pull something away with runners on.

[Rebel Jew]

Qs strikeout there was more of the exception than the rule I'd think.  Plate discipline has been almost non-existent this year.  8 walks by position players in 11 games sucks, period.

obviously that's a terrible number, but at the same time i don't see any astros beyond spaz and lee consistently flailing at pitches outside of the strike zone.  astros have 50 strikeouts this year, or 4.5 per game, which, while more than their opponents, is not a crazy number.

[matadorph]

your comment was directed at bourn, but no biggie.  spazz is a total mess, but as has been said before should probably just focus on being a reggie sanders-type lower order free-swinger and get the hell out of his own hamster brain as fast as he can.

actually it was an off the cuff GAME ZONE remark directed at the team, not Bourn. I understand why it sounded otherwise.

Jim can kindly go fuck himself. My sarcasm was mild and hardly deserving of one of his patented SnS scoldings.

[94CougarGrad]

Wandy is a fieldin' fool today. Hope we can get some runs in to reward his effort.

[Ron Brand]

obviously that's a terrible number, but at the same time i don't see any astros beyond spaz and lee consistently flailing at pitches outside of the strike zone.  astros have 50 strikeouts this year, or 4.5 per game, which, while more than their opponents, is not a crazy number.

You're right, they aren't striking out. They're hitting pitcher's pitches, and rolling into groundouts or flying out instead of taking the pitch to the opposite field or working to get a better pitch. You're also right in that this isn't a lineup of Ty Cobbs that's getting run out there.

[matadorph]

Apparently there's no Bagwell on the FTC to remind those hitters not to fling the bat in disgust.

[Ron Brand]

To be fair, it's not like the Astros have been facing a bunch of Town Clowns on the mound or in the field so far. The bats are kinda waking up and the level of competition is dropping down a bit.

[JaneDoe]

Apparently there's no Bagwell on the FTC to remind those hitters not to fling the bat in disgust.

Bagwell on the FTCs?  What a disgusting thought.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 6: Wandy

Byrd: liner into the right field corner. 0 out, runner on 2B.

Lee: 3-1 pitch, ss (comes out of his shoes and almost falls down), comebacker to Wandy, gets Byrd hung-up between 2B and 3B, tagged out 1-4-5, DLee in at 1B. 1 out, runner at 1B.

Ramirez: b, b, cs, s, b (well inside, almost got him on the back foot, Pinella out to bitch about it), popped up to Kepp. 2 outs, runner on 1B.

Nady: fb, shot to Manzella, loses his balance but flips to Kepp for the out.  3 outs, 1 left stranded.

End 6: HOU 0, FTC 2

[Ron Brand]

Apparently there's no Bagwell on the FTC to remind those hitters not to fling the bat in disgust.

Those prima donnas are just playing to their deluded fan base. That Lovable Loser crap makes me sick.

[JaneDoe]

To be fair, it's not like the Astros have been facing a bunch of Town Clowns on the mound or in the field so far. The bats are kinda waking up and the level of competition is dropping down a bit.

Nah.  Our clown is behind the plate.

[Rebel Jew]

You're right, they aren't striking out. They're hitting pitcher's pitches, and rolling into groundouts or flying out instead of taking the pitch to the opposite field or working to get a better pitch. You're also right in that this isn't a lineup of Ty Cobbs that's getting run out there.

that's an understatement.  it's really just a lineup of pedro feliz's, geoff blums, and jeff keppingers.  bourn is the only guy who seems like a true mlb starter right now.

[matadorph]

Carlos can't buy a break in this series. He's putting good wood on the ball.

[Ron Brand]

Nah.  Our clown is behind the plate.

Yeah. We got one for reals.

[JaneDoe]

Has anyone heard anything about Lee?  Does he need Lasik?  Nagging injury?   Did he have a lobotomy in the offseason? 

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 7: Dempster still hurlin'

Lee: cs, flied out towards the line in right field. 1 out.

Spaz: b, b, cs, s, flyout to right center.

Blum: roller to 1B, Lee tosses to Dumpster for the out. 3 outs.

Middle 7: HOU 0, FTC 2

[Ron Brand]

Has anyone heard anything about Lee?  Does he need Lasik?  Nagging injury?   Did he have a lobotomy in the offseason? 

I thought he was doing much better in this series.

[matadorph]

listen to those idiots. routine high fly to cf and they spill their beer all over their laps.

[JaneDoe]

I thought he was doing much better in this series.

Sorry.   Been in NOLA for several days and haven't watched the last few games. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Berkman doubles again in his 2nd AB in Round Rock

[Lurch]

We're seeing a lot of quality starts.  That's certainly a good sign

[matadorph]

Berkman doubles again in his 2nd AB in Round Rock

and scores his second run on a DeLome HR

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 7: Wandy back for another

Soriano: b, b, fly to right center, Bourn waives off Spaz and makes the play. 1 out.

Baker: line drive past a diving Keppinger into right. 1 out, runner on 1B.

Soto: s, ss, b, b, b, ss (strikeout). 2 outs, runner at 1B.

Dumpster: ss, cs, fb, ss (strikeout #3 on the day for Wandy). 3 outs.

End 7: HOU 0, FTC 2

[Ron Brand]

Sorry.   Been in NOLA for several days and haven't watched the last few games. 

You don't have to brag about it.

[94CougarGrad]

Manzella with the infield hit to get a runner on with no outs. Let's go, boys!

[JaneDoe]

You don't have to brag about it.

WHINOSINO

[94CougarGrad]

Mother. Puss. Bucket. Please don't strand another runner.

[matadorph]

Let's go Kepp!

[Ron Brand]

Ugh. Here comes the ugliest man in the game.

[94CougarGrad]

Good Lord, it takes Lou Piniella a long time to get to the mound.

Uncle Lou sends Dumpster to the showers.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

The Astros have never done a thing against Marmol.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 8: Dempster still pitching, Fukodome in RF, Colvin in LF

Manzella: s, s, slow grounder up the middle, beats the throw to 1B. 0 out, runner at 1B.  Moehler warming in the pen.

Q: b, b, cs, b, fb, ss (Qs 3rd strikeout on the day). 1 out, runner on 1B.

Sullivan (ph for Wandy): ss, b, just foul down the left field line (Colvin almost makes a nice grab on the sliding catch attempt), ss (strikeout #8 for Dempster on the day).

Bourn: b, ss, b, b, b (walk).  2 outs, runners at 1B and 2B.

Lou to the mound, Dempster to the showers, Marmol coming in from the pen..

Top 8 (2 outs, runners at 1B and 2B): HOU 0, FTC 2

[Ron Brand]

The Astros have never done a thing against Marmol.

So they're due?

[Ron Brand]

Kepp for MVP!

[matadorph]

Hell fucking yeah. Keep on Keppinger on.

[94CougarGrad]

The Astros have never done a thing against Marmol.

Until that first pitch. Wahoo!

[Ron Brand]

Feliz was bamboozled. Dunno what he was looking for, but he didn't get it.

[hostros7]

i know marmol has some narsty stuff, but the backwards k there is just so limp-dicked.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 8 (2 outs, runners at 1B and 2B): Marmol

Kepp: jumps on the first pitch and singles to center, scoring Manzella.  2 outs, runners at the corners. HOU 1, FTC 2

Feliz: (full count) called strike (strikeout). 3 outs, 2 stranded.

Middle 8: HOU 1, FTC 2

[Lurch]

Feliz was bamboozled. Dunno what he was looking for, but he didn't get it.

Yep. He was guessing

[OregonStrosFan]

Berkman Ks swinging in his 3rd AB.  In other minors news, Hooks have a perfecto going against them through 5.

[Ron Brand]

A stadium full of classless chickenshits.

[94CougarGrad]

Aww, Kepp...

[matadorph]

Berkman Ks swinging in his 3rd AB.  In other minors news, Hooks have a perfecto going against them through 5.

Just noticed that myself. Abad hasn't exactly sucked, either.

[94CougarGrad]

A stadium full of classless chickenshits.

You're at the Big House in Ann Arbor?

[matadorph]

Yes 5-4-3!

[Ron Brand]

And a hearty FUCK YOU to all those jackasses cheering Kepp's drop.

Enjoy the double play, asshats.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 8: Moehler on the hill (1st time in 9 days for Moehler)

Theriot: b, b, cs, fb, b (3-2), fly to shallow right, Kepp waives off Spaz and amkes the play. 1 out, none on.

Byrd: ss, fb, b, popup to Kepp in shallow right, loses the ball in the sun and drops it (E4). 1 out, runner at 1B.

Dlee: b, cs, two-hopper to Feliz, throw to Kepp who gets the ball away to 1B in time (despite the hard slide by Byrd) for the 5-4-3 DP. 3 outs,

End 8: HOU 1, FTC 2

[Ron Brand]

You're at the Big House in Ann Arbor?

I've heard the same is true for Ohio State.

[94CougarGrad]

I've heard the same is true for Ohio State.

I have, too, but I remember how the M*ch*g*n fans treated us Cougars the times we played 'em.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 9: Marmol

Lee: Flies out to left, 1 out

[94CougarGrad]

Spaz with a base hit!

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 9, 1 out, none on:

Pence: grounder in the hole between 3B and SS to left. 1 out, 1 on 1B.

[94CougarGrad]

Spaz with a stolen base!

[hostros7]

Sounds like JD read Morgan's blog. 

[JaneDoe]

A stadium full of classless chickenshits.

You expected anything else?

[hostros7]

FUCK AND YES

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 9 (Hill came in to catch at the beginning of the inning): 1 out, Pence on 1B.

Blum: ss, b, Pence going - ball well away but Hill loses the handle on it and Pence safe at 2B, fb (2-2), fb, Line drive double into right, Astros tie it at 2!!!

[Ron Brand]

SWEET! Geoff Blum with the clutch hit!

[matadorph]

MOTHER. FUCKING. YES.

When life hands you Marmols, make Marmolade.

[JaneDoe]

The manager comes through again!  Blum with a game tying double!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Yeehaw

[JaneDoe]

MOTHER. FUCKING. YES.

When life hands you Marmols, make Marmolade.

Classic.

[94CougarGrad]

WAHOOOO! I said it last season, I'll say it again- Blum the Cubs! Tie ball game!

[Ron Brand]

And now they've burned Marmol.

[94CougarGrad]

When life hands you Marmols, make Marmolade.

Very nice.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 9: 1 out, runner on 2B. HOU 2, FTC 2

Manzella: cs, b, ss, fb, b (up and in, almost hit Tommy), ss. Strikeout.

Byrdak and Lindstrom warming in the pen

[Ron Brand]

All it takes is a single here...

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 9: 2 out, runner on 2B. HOU 2, FTC 2

Towles (PH for Q): ss, ss, b, popped up to SS. 3 outs.

Middle 9: HOU 2, FTC 2

[Phil_in_CS]

All it takes is a single here...

Or not. At least its tied up and on to the bottom of the 9th!

[94CougarGrad]

Or not. At least its tied up and on to the bottom of the 9th!

Come on, 'Stros. Let's FTC.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Or not. At least its tied up and on to the bottom of the 9th!

And Wandy is off the hook for the loss. He pitched well enough he didn't deserve to lose.

[Ron Brand]

Ramirez looked like a chump in that AB. A spoiled chump.

[hostros7]

how do all these fucktard cub fans know when the camera is on their angle.  sit the fuck down and watch the game, leslie

[94CougarGrad]

how do all these fucktard cub fans know when the camera is on their angle. 

The Chicago Cubs: It's All About the Fans, and They Know It.

[JaneDoe]

how do all these fucktard cub fans know when the camera is on their angle.  sit the fuck down and watch the game, leslie

leslie?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Let's play extra innings!

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 9: Byrdak in for Moehler, Towles catching

Ramirez: cs, b, b, ss, b, ss (strikeout on the chanegup). 1 out, none on.

(Sean Marshall warming in the pen for the FTCs)

Colvin: popup towards Kepp, Manzella has the better angle on it and comes over to make the play. 2 outs, none on.

Fukodome: ss, b, b, b, b (walk). 2 outs, runner on 1B.

Baker: b, b, (Sampson warming up in the pen), b, cs, flaired foul towards astros pen (3-2), b (walk). 2 outs, runners on 1B and 2B.

Arnsberg out to chat with Byrdak

Hill: b, b, cs, s, fb, fb, fly out to Lee in left. 3 outs.

End 9: HOU 2, FTC 2

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

After eight years your mattress doubles in weight from all the dead skin, sweat, and millions of dust mites.

And Michaels with the lead off pinch double.

[JaneDoe]

Micheals with a leadoff double.

Oh, please.  Don't call him JMike. ugh  Brownie, you should know better.....

[matadorph]

Berkman just homered for the Express.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 10: Marshall (6'7" lefty) in to pitch

Michaels (ph for Byrdak): doubles to right center. 0 out, runner at 2B.

Bourn: popped up the bunt out of play, b (Hill throws behing Michaels at 2B but doesn't get him), sacrifice bunts Michaels over to 3B. 1 out, runner at 3B.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Yeah, I hate it when B-Brow calls him J-Mike.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Berkman just homered for the Express.

He's doing well against that AAA pitching.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 10: 1 out, Michaels at 3B

Kepp: b (Kepp acts like he's going to suicide squeeze it, Michaels coming down the line a bit) , fb, b (pitchout), b (pitchout), b (intentional). Walk, 1 out, runners at the corners

[Ron Brand]

Michaels scores!

[JaneDoe]

Feliz!

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 1): runners at the corners, 1 out.

Feliz: sac fly to left center, Michaels scores. HOU 3, FTC 2

[Phil_in_CS]

Hot damn!

[matadorph]

Great job of golfing that one for a sac fly by Pete Happy. Wooooohooo!

[94CougarGrad]

Oh, please.  Don't call him JMike. ugh  Brownie, you should know better.....

I hate it, too, but I'll put up with it since he just scored!

[believin]

There ya go, Feliz!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

 The Astros have a lead.

[OregonStrosFan]

Top 10: HOU 3, FTC 2, 2 outs, runner at 1B

Lee: throw over, ball, ball, flies out to right field. 3 outs.

Middle 10: HOU 3, FTC 2

[matadorph]

He's doing well against that AAA pitching.

Better than yesterday... he's 3-for-4 w/ 1 homer, 2 doubles, 3 runs and 2 RBI.

[matadorph]

Oh my god. Lindstrom just carved up Fontenot.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 10: Lindstrom in to pitch (batting 4th), Michaels stays in at left (batting 9th)

Fontenot: s, ss, cs (strikeout). 1 out, none on.

[Ron Brand]

Two save opportunities in two days. Good.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Lindstrom is listed at 6'3" 220 lbs. All muscle and blood and skin and bone, no fat.

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 10: 1 out, none on

Theriot (Feliz in tight at 3B), fb, ss, ball away, ball in the dirt (2-2), ball low (3-2), fb, cs (strikeout). Theriot bitchng about the call to the ump, fans freaking out.  2 outs, none on.

[94CougarGrad]

Oooohhhh lookit Theriot's little temper tantrum.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Sit your ass down!

[Ron Brand]

Enjoy the bench, Theriot.

[JaneDoe]

Go to the bench Theriot.

[moriartp]

Looked pretty low to me. Not that I won't take it.

[subnuclear]

Looked pretty low to me. Not that I won't take it.

"Scraped the bottom of the kneecaps" is the phrase the WGN announcers used.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Oooohhhh lookit Theriot's little temper tantrum.

that hissy fit put the riot in Theriot. eh? oh!

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 10: 2 outs, none on

Byrd: foul, ball, chopper foul to the 3B side (1-2), ball in the dirt away (2-2), grounder single into left. 2 outs, Byrd at 1B.

[Ron Brand]

Fuck. I didn't want to see Lee bat.

[94CougarGrad]

Let's hope that Byrd's 2-out single doesn't lead to a tern for the worse for the Astros.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Fuck. I didn't want to see Lee bat.

Never.

[Savage]

Let's hope that Byrd's 2-out single doesn't lead to a tern for the worse for the Astros.

That's truly terrible.

[Ron Brand]

YES!!!!

[Clark in Denver]

Fuck the Cubs!

[Phil_in_CS]

That's the game! FTC!

[believin]

Nice!

[OregonStrosFan]

Bottom 10: 2 outs, runner on 1B.

Dlee: ball, ball low and away, called strike (2-1), fouled back (2-2), swinging strikeout. 

Ballgame: HOU 3, FTC 2

[JaneDoe]

Woohoo! First Series Win of the year vs the Baby Bears!

FUCK. THE. CUBS.

[matadorph]

Oh what a feeling!

Great pitching by Lindstrom.

[94CougarGrad]

That's truly terrible.

It is, but at least now we can crow about the win. FTC!

[pots]

Yeah baby!!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Let's hope that Byrd's 2-out single doesn't lead to a tern for the worse for the Astros.

That would have been hard to swallow.

[Craig]

It is, but at least now we can crow about the win. FTC!

You go, gull.

Also fuck the Cubs.

[Ron Brand]

I love taking a series from those assholes in Chicago. Love it.

Fuck the Cubs.

[Craig]

I love taking a series from those assholes in Chicago. Love it.

Fuck the Cubs.

Hell yeah. First series win of the year comes in Wrigley.

[Bench]

Fuck 'em in the eye.

YES!

[Bench]

Uh, Lewinksy-cam on the Lindstrom interview is a little awkward.

[chuck]

I'm happy to concur that Wade may have overpaid (wildly) for Lyon although it would be fair to give Lyon another month or so to get over his surgery. But the early returns on the Lindstrom pickup are indicating pure genius.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

You go, gull.

Also fuck the Cubs.

what is the first cardinal rule of bad bird puns?

[cougar]

Fuck 'em in the eye-rie.

YES!

Fixed that for you.  Kinda.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm happy to concur that Wade may have overpaid (wildly) for Lyon although it would be fair to give Lyon another month or so to get over his surgery. But the early returns on the Lindstrom pickup are indicating pure genius.

Yes.

[Ron Brand]

I'm happy to concur that Wade may have overpaid (wildly) for Lyon although it would be fair to give Lyon another month or so to get over his surgery. But the early returns on the Lindstrom pickup are indicating pure genius.

Two saves, and neither of them came with that sense of impending doom that Valverde always brought to the mound.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

what is the first cardinal rule of bad bird puns?

Make 'em cheap.

[94CougarGrad]

what is the first cardinal rule of bad bird puns?

Owl be damned if I'm gonna follow your rules.

[Ron Brand]

Quite a few heroes in this game and series, but Pence's steal of second was huge.

[Ron Brand]

I really like the postgame show this season, they've been bringing out a lot of explanation that should be helpful for the fans instead of just recapping the game. They just explained why Wandy went to first with the runner at third so far off the bag, and emphasized that the net result either way would have been the same. Yesterday they explained Roy's wicked changeup in detail. Good stuff.

[OregonStrosFan]

I really like the postgame show this season, they've been bringing out a lot of explanation that should be helpful for the fans instead of just recapping the game. They just explained why Wandy went to first with the runner at third so far off the bag, and emphasized that the net result either way would have been the same. Yesterday they explained Roy's wicked changeup in detail. Good stuff.

What I never did figure out is why JD was so confused by Roys changeup yesterday.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I really like the postgame show this season, they've been bringing out a lot of explanation that should be helpful for the fans instead of just recapping the game. They just explained why Wandy went to first with the runner at third so far off the bag, and emphasized that the net result either way would have been the same. Yesterday they explained Roy's wicked changeup in detail. Good stuff.

Does that one guy on the left have something on his nose?

[Ron Brand]

What I never did figure out is why JD was so confused by Roys changeup yesterday.

I could definitely be wrong, but I don't remember his change breaking that way in the past. The hard dip down is one thing, but I don't remember it also backing in to a righthander and I got the impression that JD felt the same way.

[Ron Brand]

does that one guy one the left have something on his nose?

Glare is all I see, unless you see a bat in the cave or something.

[JaneDoe]

does that one guy one the left have something on his nose?

Looks light bad lighting.  Shadows.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Looks light bad lighting.  Shadows.

Glare is all I see, unless you see a bat in the cave or something.

Okay. It almost looks like a strip of tape when the light hits at a certain angle with the camera. Powder?

[Ron Brand]

On his right nostril, at the base? I think it's just glare.

ETA: Looks like he had a nose job in the past so you'd think he'd have fixed something if it was noticeable.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

BTW does anyone know if Bart is related to Bill Enis?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

BTW does anyone know if Bart is related to Bill Enis?

Okay, I looked it up, he is Bill's son.

[juliogotay]

I really like the postgame show this season, they've been bringing out a lot of explanation that should be helpful for the fans instead of just recapping the game. They just explained why Wandy went to first with the runner at third so far off the bag, and emphasized that the net result either way would have been the same. Yesterday they explained Roy's wicked changeup in detail. Good stuff.

I think what you are liking is Sparks. He's been on the last two games. He is more informative than the other analysts in that slot.

[JaneDoe]

2 wins in a row! Our first winning streak of the season!

Oh, yeah, FTCs!

[Savage]

MOTHER. FUCKING. YES.

When life hands you Marmols, make Marmolade.

RT by footer: http://twitter.com/alysonfooter

[Mr. Happy]

MOTHER. FUCKING. YES.

When life hands you Marmols, make Marmolade.

This is a great fucking line. Nominated.

[Ron Brand]

RT by footer: http://twitter.com/alysonfooter

That is really, really cool for you and very, very scary for me, I think.

But still cool. Congratulations.

[matadorph]

That is really, really cool for you and very, very scary for me, I think.

But still cool. Congratulations.

Further proof that the sun shines on a dog's ass every once in a while. I am humbled, but that throwaway line cannot touch the genius offerings from many SnS stalwarts. You all know who you are.

[Mr. Happy]

Further proof that the sun shines on a dog's ass every once in a while. I am humbled, but that throwaway line cannot touch the genius offerings from many SnS stalwarts. You all know who you are.

Dude: Stand up and take a bow. You've achieved greatness. That was a great line.