Astros @ Athletics September 9, 2015

[Mr. Happy]

Your lineups for tonight's late show:

Astros

RFGeorge Springer (R)
2BJose Altuve (R)
SSCarlos Correa (R)
CFCarlos Gomez (R)
3BJed Lowrie (S)
DHEvan Gattis (R)
LFColby Rasmus (L)
1BMarwin Gonzalez (S)
CHank Conger (S)

HOU: Collin McHugh (R)  (15-7, 3.75)

Athletics

CF Billy Burns (S)
1B Mark Canha (R)
RF Josh Reddick (L)
3B Danny Valencia (R)
2B Brett Lawrie (R)
LF Coco Crisp (S)
DH Billy Butler (R)
SS Marcus Semien (R)
C Carson Blair (R)

OAK: Aaron Brooks (R)  (1-2, 6.91)

[geezerdonk]

A 6.91 era.
That pretty much guarantys that he will go at least 6 innings, give up no runs and have a pitch count under 70.

[hostros7]

That was actually an interesting segment: Correa switched from a 32.5/31.5 bat to a 35/32 (IIRC) because he thinks he can swing easier and still barrel up. Orlando Cepeda recommended it.


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[hostros7]

He's been using it for the last three games.  Honestly, I'm surprised by how short and light his original bat was.  And, the figures above are in/oz to be clear for those who missed


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[HudsonHawk]

I do not like yellow baseball suits.

[MRaup]

I'm really growing to hate that Valencia guy. 

[HudsonHawk]

T1:

Springer grounds out 4-3 on the first pitch
Altuve doubles down the LF on the first pitch
Correa grounds out 5-3, Altuve to 3B
Gomez pops up F3 in foul ground. 

0 fer 2 w/RISP

No score

[hostros7]

Gomez may fall down/lose helmet/go to a knee when he swings at a higher rate than any player that I can remember watching, although the sample size is relatively small.


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[MRaup]

Did I miss some memo that said that going to one knee makes for a good swing?

[austro]

Does anybody else get an annoying hum in the Astros' broadcasts? It's not always there (for example, it disappeared just now when they were showing the replay of Correa's ground ball), and its appearance/disappearance seems to coincide with changes to whatever camera they're using, but that may be my imagination. It's not present in commercials or on other channels, so I'm sure it's not a ground loop problem or something like that.

[austro]

I'm really growing to hate that Valencia guy. 

And Canha.

[HudsonHawk]

Does anybody else get an annoying hum in the Astros' broadcasts? It's not always there (for example, it disappeared just now when they were showing the replay of Correa's ground ball), and its appearance/disappearance seems to coincide with changes to whatever camera they're using, but that may be my imagination. It's not present in commercials or on other channels, so I'm sure it's not a ground loop problem or something like that.

No hum here.

[HudsonHawk]

B1:

Burns pops out F4
Canha walks
Reddick pops out F6
Canha steals second as Conger bounces it down to 2B...imagine that
Valencia lines to 2B, so naturally Marwin, the first baseman is there...

No score after one.

[juliogotay]

That was actually an interesting segment: Correa switched from a 32.5/31.5 bat to a 35/32 (IIRC) because he thinks he can swing easier and still barrel up. Orlando Cepeda recommended it.


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I thought Bat Speed was the current magic bullet?

[HudsonHawk]

I'm really growing to hate that Valencia guy.

Danny Valencia is the greatest hitter in the history of baseball.

[hostros7]

Hum free here but there is some constant banging/drumming going on when the a's bat that is annoying the shit out of me.


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[OregonStrosFan]

So... Castro is available to come off the DL on Saturday 9/12, yes?


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[MRaup]

Man, the middle of the lineup is a black fucking hole right now.

[HudsonHawk]

Colby Jack!!

[Ebby Calvin]

Rasmus HR!

[hostros7]

Nice jack there from Colby


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[OregonStrosFan]

Ashby just said that he and Blum had a "sweat-off" yesterday... Since I can't in-hear that, thought the rest of y'all should have to join in my misery...


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[MRaup]

Waited a few batters too long to post.

[OregonStrosFan]

There we go Colby!


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[hostros7]

What did Colby just say there? Gonna need a something something on that mother fucker?


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[HudsonHawk]

T2:

Lowrie strikes out swinging
Gattis flies out F8
Rasmus homers to RF
Marwin singles to RF
Conger strikes out swinging

Astros grab a 1-0 lead

[HudsonHawk]

Am I the only one who things Lawrie looks like a complete douchebag with sweatbands *over* his one sleeve?

[homer]

Gomez may fall down/lose helmet/go to a knee when he swings at a higher rate than any player that I can remember watching, although the sample size is relatively small.


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Your hard on is showing.

[BudGirl]

Lawrie seems like a punk-ass. The sweatband thing is weird, maybe it is a cool thing in Oakland.  You know Cali-forn-ia is full of hippies.

[HudsonHawk]

God I wish Conger would fucking stay still when he receives the ball. 

[HudsonHawk]

B2:

Lawrie strikes out swinging
Crisp pops out F5 in foul ground
Butler walks
Semien singles up the middle, Butler to 2B
Blair strikes out in his first Major League at bat.

Through 2...Astros up 1-0

[hostros7]

Lawrie seems like a punk-ass. The sweatband thing is weird, maybe it is a cool thing in Oakland.  You know Cali-forn-ia is full of hippies.

More likely it's some weird Canadian thing we don't understand, like what is a Tim Horton's.


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[OregonStrosFan]

Canha steals second as Conger bounces it down to 2B...imagine that

Anyone know who the fool was that actually got thrown out by Conger?


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[MRaup]

More likely it's some weird Canadian thing we don't understand, like what is a Tim Horton's.


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You watch your fucking mouth, Tim Horton's is decent!

[MRaup]

Stay on your fucking feet when you swing, Gomez.

[homer]

Anyone know who the fool was that actually got thrown out by Conger?


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JB Shuck, May 29

http://m.mlb.com/video/v136851683/?query=conger

[MRaup]

Jesus Christ, how was that not a balk?!

[HudsonHawk]

T3:

Springer flies out F9
Altuve pops out F6
Correa walks
Gomez hit by pitch
Lowrie flies out F7

0 fer 3 w/RISP

1-0 Astros

[HudsonHawk]

Jesus Christ, how was that not a balk?!

Same thing as the other night.  No step towards the base, the pitcher basically started his motion and simply stopped in the middle of it and put his foot back down.

[MRaup]

Same thing as the other night.  No step towards the base, the pitcher basically started his motion and simply stopped in the middle of it and put his foot back down.

Stepped to third, where there was no runner.

[HudsonHawk]

B3:

Burns grounds out 1-3
Canha flies out F8
Reddick grounds out 6-3

We've played three...Astros up 1-0

[hostros7]

Colby isn't getting cheated on his cuts today.


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[HudsonHawk]

Astros with runners at 2B and 3B, nobody out...

[hostros7]

Astros with runners at 2B and 3B, nobody out...

Nothing good ever comes from this.


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[Ebby Calvin]

I missed it - why was Altuve pissed?

[MRaup]

Critical early situation here.

[Ebby Calvin]

Conger!

[hostros7]

Way to be Hank!!


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[MRaup]

Attaboy Donger!

[HudsonHawk]

Conger with a 2-run single!

[BudGirl]

That run by Springer makes me tired.

[HudsonHawk]

T4:

Gattis singles up the middle
Rasmus doubles down RF line, Gattis to 3B
Marwin pops out to shallowr RF
Conger...infield in...singles to LF, Gattis scores, Rasmus scores
Springer grounds into FC, Conger out 6-4
Altuve doubles to LCF, Burns bobbles it and Springer comes around to score
Correa hammers one to LF, but right at Crisp

But the Astros score thrice...lead 4-0

[MRaup]

Correa smashed the hell out of that ball.

[HudsonHawk]

B4:

Valencia grounds out 4-3
Lawrie strikes out swinging
Crisp strikes out swinging

4-0 Astros

[MRaup]

CARLOS! STAY ON YOUR FUCKING FEET WHEN YOU SWING!

[MRaup]

This is awesome. Venditte warming up (the switch pitcher). Excited to see him pitch.

[MRaup]

Wow, thank you Coco for an absolutely HORRIBLE route to that ball. Crisp bailed HARD near the wall on that double.

[Aussie Astro]

CARLOS! STAY ON YOUR FUCKING FEET WHEN YOU SWING!

Good to see he listens.

[Navin R Johnson]

Ashby seems to be getting worse as the season as going along.

[hostros7]

Reddick has a cannon. Nice that the ump didn't call him out solely because the throw had Gomez beat. 


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[MRaup]

Captain CAAAAAAAAAAAVEEEEEMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

[hostros7]

Gattis!


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[HudsonHawk]

Oso Blanco!!!

[BudGirl]

Gattis hit that so hard he hurt his hand.

[MRaup]

Oso Blanco!!!

Shaking his hands because he got jammed on the bomb.

[HudsonHawk]

Shaking his hands because he got jammed on the bomb.

I used to play with a guy who'd hit a 450 ft home run then come back to the dugout kicking and pouting that he didn't get all of it. 

[MRaup]

I FUCKING HATE YOU, ASHBY.

God, what a worthless piece of shit play by play man.

[Ebby Calvin]

Hell of a shot from Springer.  Great catch by Burns

[HudsonHawk]

T5:

Gomez doubles off the left field wall...his helmet stops at 1B

That's it for Brooks...switch pitcher Venditte in for the A's

Lowrie flies out F9, Gomez tags and just barely beats the throw at 3B
Gattis homers to LF, Gomez scores
Rasmus walks
Marwin doubles to RF, Rasmus to 3B
Conger...who's hitting lefthanded against the lefthander...sac fly F8, Rasmus scores, Marwin to 3B

That's it for Venditte, Alvarez in

Springer flies out at the wall in CF...

But the Astros get three more...lead 7-0

[BudGirl]

I'm not sure how Ashby missed it.  I don't know what he is doing because he is not watching the game.

[Ebby Calvin]

I'm not sure how Ashby missed it.  I don't know what he is doing because he is not watching the game.

I'm streaminig the As feed, but I assume Ashby called it a HR?

[MRaup]

I'm streaminig the As feed, but I assume Ashby called it a HR?

He cried yard before it had cleared the infield.

[BudGirl]

I'm streaminig the As feed, but I assume Ashby called it a HR?

Yep.

[BudGirl]

I wish Ashby would shut up about how the Rangers are doing.  I really think he doesn't like the Astros.

[OregonStrosFan]

This is awesome. Venditte warming up (the switch pitcher). Excited to see him pitch.

Dude is amazing... As an aside, here is a chart of the pitch trajectories from his last 5 outings - pretty cool!

[HudsonHawk]

McHugh struggling after the long inning...two runs already in, runner on 1B, one out

[Ebby Calvin]

Fuck.  Cmon McHugh

[HudsonHawk]

Reddick with a 2-run homer, A's come roaring back 7-4 now...

[MRaup]

Fucking McHugh. Dude always gives a few away after getting a big inning from his offense. Throwing fucking meat this inning.

[homer]

That was some kind of meatball.

[BudGirl]

Strom will straighten it out.

[HudsonHawk]

B5:

Butler homers to RF on the first pitch
Semien with a Texas League single to RCF
Blair grounds out 6-3, Semien, who was running on the pitch, in to 2B
Burns singles to RF, Semien scores
Canha flies out F8
Reddick homers, Burns scores
Valencia strikes out looking

But the A's rough up McHugh...Astros lead now at 7-4

[The Spleen]

It's become a pattern now... the Astros starter cruises through 5 or 6 innings and then suddenly bursts into flame.

[Jacksonian]

It's become a pattern now... the Astros starter cruises through 5 or 6 innings and then suddenly bursts into flame.

It's become a pattern now... the Astros starter cruises through 5 or 6 innings and then suddenly bursts into flame.

I thought the pattern was Astros on the road suck.

[HudsonHawk]

It's become a pattern now... the Astros starter cruises through 5 or 6 innings and then suddenly bursts into flame.

McHugh only cruised through four...

[HudsonHawk]

Gomez!!!

Gets a run back

[BudGirl]

that was a nice hit.

[HudsonHawk]

T6:

Altuve...thinks he was hit by pitch...but ump says no...flies out F7
Correa strikes out awkwardly swinging after the catcher caught the ball
Gomez homers to LCF
Lowrie pops out F5

Astros pick up a run...lead 8-4

[Ebby Calvin]

Thanks for PBP, HH.

[HudsonHawk]

Thanks for PBP, HH.

Gonna pay for it in the morning...gotta get up in 5 hours

[MRaup]

"It's made with real fruit, so I'm sharing." is the Alan Ashby of TV commercials.

FUCK YOU.

[MRaup]

For fuck's sake, Qualls. Way to gasoline up this game.

[OregonStrosFan]

Gonna pay for it in the morning...gotta get up in 5 hours

You really think this game will be done by then?!?

Thanks for PBP, HH.

Yes, very much appreciated.

[HudsonHawk]

B6:

Lawrie with an infield single to SS
Crisp lines out to RF

That's it for McHugh, Qualls in

First pitch to Butler is a wild pitch, Lawrie to 2B
Butler singles to RF, Lawrie scores
Semien strikes out swinging
Blair strikes out swinging

8-5 Astros

[HudsonHawk]

You really think this game will be done by then?!?

Yes, very much appreciated.

No shit...three hours and we're headed to the 7th

[Navin R Johnson]

Qualls pitched great, if Conger doesn't muff that 1st pitch, no damage done.

[BudGirl]

It kind of disappoints me that the Astros don't hit Abad like others players did when he was an Astro.

[HudsonHawk]

Marwin!!!!

[Ebby Calvin]

Marwin gets another back.

[Ebby Calvin]

11 players with 10+ hrs ties MLB record.  Lowrie sits at 8.

[BudGirl]

nice catch by that lady.  I'm glad she's smart enough to not toss it back.

[BudGirl]

11 players with 10+ hrs ties MLB record.  Lowrie sits at 8.

Marisnick has 9

[HudsonHawk]

T7:

Abad in for the A's

Gattis strikes out looking on a fastball right down the middle
Rasmus strikes out swinging
Marwin homers to LF
Conger...who's not hitting righthanded against the lefty...flies out F8

At the stretch...9-5 Astros

[Ebby Calvin]

Marisnick has 9

Even better.

I really like these As announcers.  Very even keel, praising the Astros when they deserve it.  Also, no Ashby.

[BudGirl]

I need a nice Qualls ground ball.

[Navin R Johnson]

I need a nice Qualls ground ball.

Harris is pitching now.

[HudsonHawk]

A's get the first two runners on...nobody out

[OregonStrosFan]

Harris is pitching now.

I presume she was just mocking Ashby for his reference to Qualls...

[BudGirl]

Harris is pitching now.

I tune out Ashby so I wasn't really paying attending.  Well, I'd like Harris to get a double play made behind him.

[Navin R Johnson]

Dammit, I Ashby'd it.

[BudGirl]

I presume she was just mocking Ashby for his reference to Qualls...

No, I just wasn't paying attention.  Luckily there are enough of you around here to correct me when I'm wrong.

[Bench]

Is it better to be leading 7-0 or 9-5?

[HudsonHawk]

B7:

Harris in for the Astros

Burns with a swinging bunt, 27 inches in front of the plate, and they have no shot at him.
Canha singles to RF, Burns to 2B
Reddick grounds into FC, Canha out 4-6, Burns to 3B
Valencia strikes out swinging...bitches incessantly that the ump had the audacity to call a strike on him
Lawrie pops out F6

After seven...Astros still up 9-5

[OregonStrosFan]

No, I just wasn't paying attention.  Luckily there are enough of you around here to correct me when I'm wrong.

Ashby referred to him as Qualls on the gound ball dribbler, so I presumed that was your reference...

[BudGirl]

Ashby referred to him as Qualls on the gound ball dribbler, so I presumed that was your reference...

Maybe I did hear that then.  I love the fact that he is blaming Springer's reaction to his hit to CF for him making a bad call.

[Bench]

Grande is reporting that all of Marwin's 22 career home runs have been solo shots.  That's nuts.

[HudsonHawk]

T8:

Otero in for the A's

Springer hit by pitch right in the ass
Altuve taps back to the mound, out 1-3, Springer running on the pitch and moves to 2B
Springer moves to 3B on wild pitch
Correa...infield in...grounds out 6-3, Springer waits for the throw to 1B, then takes off for home...safe
Gomez pops out F6

Astros get another run, lead 10-5

[Bench]

Nice base running from Springer to wait for the pulled in shortstop to make the force at first and just beat the throw home with a perfect dive. 

[HudsonHawk]

Terrible fundamentals by the A's...infield in, get a ball right at the SS, and you don't even look the runner at 3B back? 

[BudGirl]

better the a's than the Astros.

[JimR]

That is what Springer does for this team.

I hope Neshek can turn it around tonight.

and oh, yeah, Gomez sucks.

[HudsonHawk]

B8:

Neshek in

Crisp strikes out looking
Butler grounds out 5-3 from behind the bag at 3B.  He really doesn't run very well
Semien flies out F9 on a nice running catch by Springer

Through 8.....10-5 Astros

[Bench]

Neshek did well.

[JimR]

I hate these late games.

[HudsonHawk]

I hate these late games.

You're telling me.  But I can't stop now

[JimR]

The team struggles and will have a tough time in Arlington. I do not care. I love this team, and I hope we get the core group tied up long term.

[HudsonHawk]

The team struggles and will have a tough time in Arlington. I do not care. I love this team, and I hope we get the core group tied up long term.

I will be disappointed for them if they don't make the post season because they've come so far and accomplished a lot.  But I also love this team.

[Bench]

cong cong!

[Bench]

The team struggles and will have a tough time in Arlington. I do not care. I love this team, and I hope we get the core group tied up long term.

It's a great group.  I hate myself for staying up so late, but watching these guys is completely worth it.  It's been a long time and pennant chases aren't guaranteed to any fan.

[BudGirl]

Did I just hear a fan at O.Co say they want to go home?

[HudsonHawk]

T9:

 Leon in for the A's

Lowrie flies out F7
Gattis reaches on TE6, as the throw is high and pulls Canha off the bag
Villar in to run for Gattis
Rasmus strikes out looking as Villar is running on the pitch.  He stops, but the throw bounces and goes into CF.  Villar awarded a SB and moves to 3B on the TE2
Marwin walks
Conger with an infield single on a ground ball to 2B,  Lawrie knocks it down but can't get a throw off. Villar scores, Marwin to 2B
Springer...works the count full...runners will be moving...grounds out 5-3

Astros lead 11-5

[JimR]

Monday's game hurt because we lost it with poor play. Good series in LA, then split in Texas, and I am happy.

[HudsonHawk]

Oliver Perez will work the 9th.  It'd be nice to see him pitch well here.

[HudsonHawk]

Monday's game hurt because we lost it with poor play. Good series in LA, then split in Texas, and I am happy.

They win five games on this road trip and I'll splooge in my pants.

[BudGirl]

So the Grizzlies, Hooks, and Hawks won but the Cats and Bandits lost. 

[HudsonHawk]

Somebody in the stands is getting his money's worth

[HudsonHawk]

B9:

Blair strikes out swinging
Burns flies out F7
Canha strikes out swinging

Astros Win!!!!

[Bench]

Ollie looked good., though his glove fluttering thing is a tad unsettling. 

Big win.

[Bench]

B9:

Blair strikes out swinging
Burns flies out F7
Canha strikes out swinging

Astros Win!!!!

Thanks for sticking out the PBP.

[HudsonHawk]

Good job in the GZ boys and girls...I'm hitting the sack

[Ebby Calvin]

Good job in the GZ boys and girls...I'm hitting the sack

Thanks again HH

[JimR]

Good job in the GZ boys and girls...I'm hitting the sack

Good job HH

[OregonStrosFan]

Thanks for sticking out the PBP.

Yes, appreciated!

[MRaup]

Did I just hear a fan at O.Co say they want to go home?

Yes, you did. Loud and clear.

[BudGirl]

Sphinx prefers anything but brooms.

[JimR]

Sphinx prefers anything but brooms.

brilliant title!