Astros @ stRangizz August 11, 2017

[Mr. Happy]

Your lineups for tonight's road tilt:

Astros

3BAlex Bregman (R)
2BJose Altuve (R)
1BY. Gurriel (R)
SSMarwin Gonzalez (S)
DHCarlos Beltran (S)
CBrian McCann (L)
CFJake Marisnick (R)
LFDerek Fisher (L)

HOU: Charlie Morton (R)  (9-4, 3.78)

stRangizz

DH Shin-Soo Choo (L)
SS Elvis Andrus (R)
RF Nomar Mazara (L)
3B Adrian Beltre (R)
LF Joey Gallo (L)
CF Carlos Gomez (R)
2B Rougned Odor (L)
1B Mike Napoli (R)
C R. Chirinos (R)

TEX: Cole Hamels (L)  (6-1, 3.59)

[BudGirl]

Is Springer leading off and playing RF?

[MusicMan]

Is Springer leading off and playing RF?

AJ is going with an 8 man lineup to shake the team up a bit.


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[HudsonHawk]

AJ is going with an 8 man lineup to shake the team up a bit.


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And a hit to RF is an automatic out.  Just like when we were kids.

[HudsonHawk]

Not sure about doing PBP tonight.  1) my PBP may not be as enjoyed and appreciated as I once thought it was, and 2) it doesn't seem to be working lately.  Perhaps I should change from bourbon to scotch.  Or even completely change things up and make it rum.  I'm pretty open to ideas, and willing to take one for the team. 

[HudsonHawk]

Watching Kalas and Blummer...will someone please turn their microphones on

[austro]

Not sure about doing PBP tonight.  1) my PBP may not be as enjoyed and appreciated as I once thought it was, and 2) it doesn't seem to be working lately.  Perhaps I should change from bourbon to scotch.  Or even completely change things up and make it rum.  I'm pretty open to ideas, and willing to take one for the team. 

Well, I recently had some surgery, and I haven't had anything to drink for a couple of weeks. This is undoubtedly a major contributor to the slump, and I intend to break it tonight by enjoying some scotch.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, I recently had some surgery, and I haven't had anything to drink for a couple of weeks. This is undoubtedly a major contributor to the slump, and I intend to break it tonight by enjoying some scotch.

I should add that I also have absinthe. 

[chuck]

Perhaps I should change from bourbon to scotch.

File under: No Brainer

[HudsonHawk]

T1:

Springer pops out to shallow RF
Bregman grounds out 6-3
Altuve...full count...strikes out swinging at pitch already in the mitt.

No score

[HudsonHawk]

B1:

Choo...0-2...grounds out 3-1
Andrus grounds out 6-3 on the first pitch
Mazara...0-2...1-2...flies out F8

No score through one

[HudsonHawk]

T2:

Gurriel with a slow roller to 3B...5-3
Marwin pops out F5 on the first pitch, as Beltre shoves Andrus out of the way
Beltran rolls out 5-3

Another quick inning of extremely weak contact

0-0

[hostros7]

Not sure about doing PBP tonight.  1) my PBP may not be as enjoyed and appreciated as I once thought it was, and 2) it doesn't seem to be working lately.  Perhaps I should change from bourbon to scotch.  Or even completely change things up and make it rum.  I'm pretty open to ideas, and willing to take one for the team.

If you happen to have at your disposal a bottle of Nighttrain or Wild Irish Rose, or the ability to procure some without too much inconvenience, consuming one, or two, quickly would represent the ultimate sacrifice.

For the record, I enjoy and appreciate your PBP.


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[hostros7]

Also, I sought out a negroamaro at Spec's the other day. The only one I saw was cantina Rosa. Anyways, it was about a $15 bottle but was quite enjoyable, a nice, light summer red. Tonight, I'm on to Gundlach Bundschu cab after I power through a few dome faux'ms. Even though I don't particularly like them, my hope is that they will aid the cause.


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[HudsonHawk]

B2:

Beltre singles to RCF on the first pitch
Gallo strikes out swinging
Gomez strikes out swinging, falling to his knees.  Helmet would have flown off if not for the face guard
Odor strikes out looking

No score after two

[hostros7]

I have a constant mental debate about whether or not the DeMontrond RV's spokesman really dresses like Guy Fieri on a daily basis or whether it's a costume intended to resonate with the RV buying demographic.

Well, not constant, but whenever I see it, just to clarify that.


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[hostros7]

It's really quite odd that we have two left-handed hitting catchers on the active 25 right now. I wonder when the last time that occurred was, if ever.


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[HudsonHawk]

Also, I sought out a negroamaro at Spec's the other day. The only one I saw was cantina Rosa. Anyways, it was about a $15 bottle but was quite enjoyable, a nice, light summer red. Tonight, I'm on to Gundlach Bundschu cab after I power through a few dome faux'ms. Even though I don't particularly like them, my hope is that they will aid the cause.


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Li Veli makes an excellent negroamaro, Fuedo di San Nicola is the house I usually see at Spec's

[hostros7]

Li Veli makes an excellent negroamaro, Fuedo di San Nicola is the house I usually see at Spec's

Good to know, I'll keep an eye out for those.


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[austro]

Apropos of nothing: Fuck Cole Hamels.

[austro]

Li Veli makes an excellent negroamaro, Fuedo di San Nicola is the house I usually see at Spec's

What's the grape in negroamaro? Or is that the grape?

[HudsonHawk]

T3:

McCann grounds weakly to 2B
Marisnick strikes out swinging
Fisher...works the count full...walks for the Astros first baserunner
Springer...quickly 0-2...strikes out swinging

No score

[HudsonHawk]

Man Springer looks bad. 

[HudsonHawk]

What's the grape in negroamaro? Or is that the grape?

That's the grape.  It's from the Puglia region of Italy, which is the "boot heel". 

[HudsonHawk]

Rangers with a walk and a single to lead off the third...nobody out...

[austro]

Jesus, it's like a nightmare that won't end.

[HudsonHawk]

E1 on an easy comeback bunt...bases loaded, nobody out.

[HudsonHawk]

1-0 Rangers...bases still loaded, nobody out...

[HudsonHawk]

2-0...bases still loaded, nobody out

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Ugh.

Gomez.  Really?

[HudsonHawk]

4-0 Rangers...two on, two out...

[HudsonHawk]

Ugh.

Gomez.  Really?

2-strike fat pitch

[hostros7]

How do the Astros of all teams not know to never throw Carlos Gomez a fastball in the strike zone? Throw literally any other pitch wherever the fuck you want, and he has no chance of hitting it.


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[HudsonHawk]

B3:

Napoli...3-0...walks on four pitches
Chirinos with a slow rolling seeing eye single up the middle, Napoli to 2B
Choo bunts...right back to Morton for an easy double play...but he kicks it...E1...Napoli to 3B, Chirinos to 2B
Andrus with a slow rolling seeing eye single up the middle...Napoli scores, Chirinos to 3B, Choo to 2B
Mazara singles to CF, Chirinos scores, Choo to 3B, Andrus to 2B
Beltre...0-2...fouling off pitches...strikes out swinging
Gallo...1-2...takes strike three for ball two...strikes out swinging
Gomez...1-2...singles up the middle...Choo scores, Andrus scores, Mazara to 2B
Odor...takes strike one for ball one...takes strike two for ball two...two fucking pitches, well within the zone...2-1...2-2...3-2...strikes out swinging

Strikes out the side again...but bad luck and dickstepping in between...4-0 Rangers

[Astros Fan in Big D]

How do the Astros of all teams not know to never throw Carlos Gomez a fastball in the strike zone? Throw literally any other pitch wherever the fuck you want, and he has no chance of hitting it.


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See also Odor and Gallo.

[HudsonHawk]

Morton had to throw the ball through a fucking donut to get a strike call that inning.

[Jacksonian]

Morton had to throw the ball through a fucking donut to get a strike call that inning.

Irrelevant.  If he fields the bunt they get 1 run at the most.

[HudsonHawk]

Astros get their first base hit...Altuve with a bullet off of Hamels's knee

[HudsonHawk]

Irrelevant.  If he fields the bunt they get 1 run at the most.

I didn't say otherwise.  Just an observation.

[Texifornia]

Morton had to throw the ball through a fucking donut to get a strike call that inning.

More and more I find myself thinking the once unthinkable, automated ball / strike calls. It may not be perfect, but at least it will be consistent.

[HudsonHawk]

T4:

Bregman hits one hard, but a diving stop by Beltre...5-3
Altuve lines one off of Hamels' knee, knocks him down as the ball bounces almost back to the 1B dugout...single...still looking at Hamels
Gurriel grounds into FC...Altuve out 3-6 at 2B
Marwin...2-2...battling...singles to LF, Gurriel to 2B
Beltran strikes out swinging

4-0 Rangers

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Well at least the Astros have four guys in the top 10 in BA.

[HudsonHawk]

B4:

Napoli lines out to 3B...squared up, but Bregman didn't have to move
Chirinos flies out F9
Choo grounds out 3U on a terrific diving stop on the line by Gurriel

4-0 Rangers

[hostros7]

How does the first base up blow that?


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[HudsonHawk]

How does the first base up blow that?


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Not sure because that's not a throw...two guys are racing to the bag, and he just has to watch for which one hits the bag first. 

[HudsonHawk]

T5:

McCann grounds to shallow RF...Odor is there in the shift...bobbles it, but McCann never really bothered to get out of the box...4-3
Marisnick bunts back to the pitcher on the first pitch
Fisher grounds out 3-1 on the first pitch...maybe take a look at this as Fisher may have beat Hamels to the bag...yep...replay is clear...he beat it out...should be overturned quickly...and it is...infield single...good hustle by Fisher
Springer...3-0...walks on four pitches
Bregman...3-1...3-2 on what would have been ball four...but runners will move...chops to 3B, Fisher is tagged out 3U

4-0 Rangers

[Nate Colbert]

I'm gonna have to test-drive a Sewell one of these days.

[austro]

That ball should have been caught.

[MusicMan]

Fisher appears to be good at routes and bad at the actual catching of the ball.


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[MusicMan]

How does the first base up blow that?


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Because it was a veteran vs a rookie, and he just wants to get the game over.


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[austro]

I'm gonna have to test-drive a Sewell one of these days.

I think it's interesting that there is almost no mention of the makes of cars they sell. "I'm going to drive a Sewell" instead of "I'm going to drive an Audi" or "I'm going to drive a Mercedes".

[HudsonHawk]

So rum it is...

[austro]

Fisher appears to be good at routes and bad at the actual catching of the ball.

Case in point: that ball that almost hit him in the head the other night.

[HudsonHawk]

The last 32 innings, the Astros have scored a total of five runs.

[HudsonHawk]

B5:

Andrus doubles to deep LCF...Fisher runs it down, reaches up and whiffs at it...not an easy play, but this used to be a good defensive outfield.  It's not now
Mazara flies out F8 to medium CF...Andrus tags and makes it to 3B easily on a pretty poor throw by Marisnick
Beltre doubles to LF, Andrus scores
Gallo grounds out 3-1, Beltre to 3B
Gomez grounds out 4-3...Altuve bobbled it, but recovered quickly to get the out

Rangers tack on a run, lead 5-0

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The last 32 innings, the Astros have scored a total of five runs. zzz

You're killing my buzz,  man.

[austro]

You're killing my buzz,  man.

We're in the Arlington House of Horrors.

[David in Jackson]

After this week, I've about decided to take a break until Correa comes back. Brutal.


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[HudsonHawk]

T6:

Altuve pops to shallow LF on the first pitch
Gurriel grounds out 4-3 on the first pitch
Marwin...0-2...flies out F7

5-pitch inning...5-0 Rangers

[HudsonHawk]

After this week, I've about decided to take a break until Correa comes back. Brutal.


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A.J. assured me today that the current play is no cause for concern.

[juliogotay]

More and more I find myself thinking the once unthinkable, automated ball / strike calls. It may not be perfect, but at least it will be consistent.

I'll sign your petition. The more irrelevant we can make the likes of Angel Hernandez the better.

[juliogotay]

I'm gonna have to test-drive a Sewell one of these days.

I think they drive alot like they come out of the factory.

[HudsonHawk]

Morton out with one on and two out in the 6th, trailing 5-0...Guduan in

[HudsonHawk]

I think they drive alot like they come out of the factory.

Just an FYI, but I bought an Infiniti from Sewell, and their service has been exceptional.  Take that for what it's worth. 

[juliogotay]

I think it's interesting that there is almost no mention of the makes of cars they sell. "I'm going to drive a Sewell" instead of "I'm going to drive an Audi" or "I'm going to drive a Mercedes".

that's because Sewell is paying for the ad time.

[HudsonHawk]

B6:

Odor flies out F7 on the first pitch
Napoli...3-0...3-2...walks
Chirinos flies out F8 to shallow CF

That's it for Morton, Guduan in

Choo grounds out 4-3

5-0 Rangers

[juliogotay]

Just an FYI, but I bought an Infiniti from Sewell, and their service has been exceptional.  Take that for what it's worth.

I'm sure it is. They are an exceptional dealership.

[HudsonHawk]

that's because Sewell is paying for the ad time.

And they sell everything...Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Nissan, Infinti, BMW...

[juliogotay]

I don't know why but I can't stand Beltre. Am I a bad person?

[HudsonHawk]

I don't know why but I can't stand Beltre. Am I a bad person?

I don't think he's God's gift to baseball either.  I'm on the naughty list with you.

[juliogotay]

I don't think he's God's gift to baseball either.  I'm on the naughty list with you.

I want to slap that constant smirk off of his face.

[HudsonHawk]

For the ump having a tiny strike zone, the Astros sure are hacking at everything.

[juliogotay]

For the ump having a tiny strike zone, the Astros sure are hacking at everything.

Everybody's trying to be the hero. Comes with losing streaks.

[HudsonHawk]

T7:

Beltran...quickly down 0-2...strikes out swinging
McCann...full count...flies out F8 to shallow CF
Marisnick...quickly 0-2...lines out to SS

5-0 Rangers

[HudsonHawk]

80 wins may win this division.

[The Spleen]

I wonder how the Rangers are feeling about the Darvish trade right now...

[austro]

80 wins may win this division.

Seattle is going to win more than that.

[HudsonHawk]

Seattle is going to win more than that.

That's what I mean.  I'm struggling to see the Astros winning 10 more.

[HudsonHawk]

Guduan pointed up at the ball, like it was  popup...it was a laser that hit the top of the wall in the power alley

[HudsonHawk]

6-0 Astros....getting manhandled again. 

[HudsonHawk]

Guduan out, Hoyt in...6-0 Rangers, one on, nobody out in the 7th...

[Andyzipp]

If the players have quit (and by all appearances they have) how does that reflect on Hinch?  Does it mean anything yet?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I don't know why but I can't stand Beltre. Am I a bad person?

Andrus is the one on that side of their infield I can't stand.

[austro]

If the players have quit (and by all appearances they have) how does that reflect on Hinch?  Does it mean anything yet?

I don't think they've quit, but I think they're completely flummoxed. I don't know what it's going to take to break out of it. I was hoping that Sunday's miracle win would do it, but apparently not.

[juliogotay]

If the players have quit (and by all appearances they have) how does that reflect on Hinch?  Does it mean anything yet?

Players haven't quit. But IF any have they need to be fired.

[Andyzipp]

I don't think they've quit, but I think they're completely flummoxed. I don't know what it's going to take to break out of it. I was hoping that Sunday's miracle win would do it, but apparently not.

I’m (probably) overreacting, but they look like they’re going through the motions.  Which I was hoping Beltran, McCann, Reddick were supposed to help them avoid.  11-15 since the break isn’t a good look.

[HudsonHawk]

B7:

Andrus doubles to RCF
Mazara flairs a single to CF, Andrus scores

Guduan out...Hoyt in...

Beltre flies out F9
Gallo flies out F9
Gomez grounds to 3B...Bregman double clutches thinking about 2B...now decides to go to 1B and Gomez beats it out...not sure what he was thinking...scored a single but should have been an out
Odor lines out to SS on the shift

6-0 Rangers

[juliogotay]

I’m (probably) overreacting, but they look like they’re going through the motions.  Which I was hoping Beltran, McCann, Reddick were supposed to help them avoid.  11-15 since the break isn’t a good look.

11-15 isn't the end of the world either. If they had been in the middle of the pack no one would have noticed 11-15.

[Andyzipp]

11-15 isn't the end of the world either. If they had been in the middle of the pack no one would have noticed 11-15.

No one wants your sensible patient approach when they’re in the middle of panicking...


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[HudsonHawk]

I’m (probably) overreacting, but they look like they’re going through the motions.  Which I was hoping Beltran, McCann, Reddick were supposed to help them avoid.  11-15 since the break isn’t a good look.

I'm more worried about the 3-10 (soon to be 3-11) in the last two weeks.  There's no sense of urgency, and they're being told "no worries, best record in the league..."  Well there sure as fuck needs to be a sense of urgency. 

[Andyzipp]

I'm more worried about the 3-10 (soon to be 3-11) in the last two weeks.  There's no sense of urgency, and they're being told "no worries, best record in the league..."  Well there sure as fuck needs to be a sense of urgency.

And it’s 3-11 against some not great teams.  Still can’t believe they got swept by Chicago.


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[HudsonHawk]

Springer Dinger!!!

6-2 now

[MRaup]

"Crying Yard" Kalas was totally fooled by that one.

[austro]

That was refreshing to see.

[austro]

Man, HPU is getting beat up tonight.

[HudsonHawk]

"Crying Yard" Kalas was totally fooled by that one.

No shit.  He creams his pants on a medium fly ball, but failed to recognize that shot.

[juliogotay]

Guduan out, Hoyt in...6-0 Rangers, one on, nobody out in the 7th...

I'm behind on the broadcast so I'll ask now....why is Guduan on this team?  He has a great arm but he can't get anyone out. Including left-handed batters. Looks like AA would challenge him.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm behind on the broadcast so I'll ask now....why is Guduan on this team?  He has a great arm but he can't get anyone out. Including left-handed batters. Looks like AA would challenge him.

Luhnow is on record as loving Guduan. 

[HudsonHawk]

Tiny zone, pitcher can't hit fucking water...Jose be hackin and grounds into double play.

[austro]

I'm behind on the broadcast so I'll ask now....why is Guduan on this team?  He has a great arm but he can't get anyone out. Including left-handed batters. Looks like AA would challenge him.

Because Harris is hurt. Seriously. They're just out of arms.

[HudsonHawk]

Should have the bases loaded and nobody out...instead it's runner on 1B, two out

[austro]

This would be a big inning without Altuve's contribution.

[juliogotay]

Luhnow is on record as loving Guduan.

I know. But he's starting to remind me of a cornerback that is off the charts on the  the drills and gets consistently beat by a veteran receiver.

[HudsonHawk]

Marwin fouls one off the top of his foot...trainers out...

[austro]

I know. But he's starting to remind me of a cornerback that is off the charts on the  the drills and gets consistently beat by a veteran receiver.

Oh, thanks a fucking lot. I had completely forgotten about Kareem Jackson.

[HudsonHawk]

Man Altuve's at bat hurt

[HudsonHawk]

Astros have the tying run to the plate...two out...

[austro]

Man Altuve's at bat hurt

If he had just kept the bat on his shoulder we'd be tied up now.

[austro]

What do you suppose Brocail spends on Rolaids every month?

[HudsonHawk]

If he had just kept the bat on his shoulder we'd be tied up now.

With nobody out and a runner on 2B

[JimR]

This may be the night we turn it around.

[HudsonHawk]

This may be the night we turn it around.

Boy I hope so...McCann is battling hard here...

[HudsonHawk]

T8:

Leclerc in for the Rangers...

Fisher...full count...walks
Springer homers to RCF, Fisher scores
Bregman...0-2...1-2...2-2...3-2...walks
Altuve...3-0...3-1...swings at a pitch in his eyes and grounds into a 4-6-3 double play
Gurriel...3-0...3-1...walks

Leclerc out, Claudio in

Marwin...fouls one off his foot...trainers out...singles to RF...ball gets by right fielder, and Gurriel comes around to score, Marwin to 2B on the E9
Beltran doubles to RF, Marwin scores
McCann...full count...fouling off pitches...lines to RF...Mazara makes a diving catch at his shoe tops to end the inning

But the Astros get back into it...6-4 Rangers

[austro]

God damn it!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Well crap.

Great at bats don't always end the way we want.

[JimR]

Altuve is a blessing and a curse. He so hurts this team despite his brilliance.

[HudsonHawk]

Altuve is a blessing and a curse. He so hurts this team despite his brilliance.

Take the bitter with the sweet.  That was a bitter at bat.

[austro]

Napoli surprised to find somebody throwing strikes to him.

[HudsonHawk]

B8:

Musgrove in...

Napoli...0-2...strikes out swinging
Chirinos grounds out 6-3 on a nice backhand by Marwin
Choo...0-2...1-2...2-2...strikes out looking

To the 9th...Astros need a pair

[HudsonHawk]

A couple of guys get on, and Altuve has a chance to atone for his crappy AB in the 8th.

[HudsonHawk]

A couple of quick punch outs, and the Astros are down to their last out...

[HudsonHawk]

Tying run to the plate...

[austro]

I'm not dead yet...

[austro]

Boy, I thought Bregman was going to launch that one.

[austro]

And here we go...

[HudsonHawk]

Back to back 2-out singles, tying run on base...Altuve with a chance with 2- out

[HudsonHawk]

Down to the last strike...

[austro]

He is soooo anxious...

[Astros Fan in Big D]

He is soooo anxious...

Cranked up way past 11.

[HudsonHawk]

Full count to Altuve...runners moving...

[HudsonHawk]

T9:

Marisnick strikes out swinging
Fisher strikes out swinging
Springer flairs a single to CF on the first pitch
Bregman singles to LF, Springer to 2B
Altuve...quickly down 0-2...1-2...2-2...3-2...strikes out looking

Astros go down 6-4

[austro]

Fuck me. Talk about popping the balloon.

[HudsonHawk]

Wow.  How can you get caught looking like that. 

[HudsonHawk]

Altuve fucking killed this team at the plate tonight.

[HudsonHawk]

I cannot imagine two worse at bats from your #3 hitter than Altuve's in the 8th and 9th tonight.

[hostros7]

Fuck


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[HudsonHawk]

So much disappointing about tonight.  Perhaps this is will snap them out of a scoring funk, but this was disappointing on so many levels. 

[The Third Man]

I’m (probably) overreacting, but they look like they’re going through the motions.  Which I was hoping Beltran, McCann, Reddick were supposed to help them avoid.  11-15 since the break isn’t a good look.

Beltran and McCann have not played up to their contract at all.

[austro]

So much disappointing about tonight.  Perhaps this is will snap them out of a scoring funk, but this was disappointing on so many levels. 

If Morton deals with that bunt, Texas may not even score that inning. Certainly not four runs.

[HudsonHawk]

If Morton deals with that bunt, Texas may not even score that inning. Certainly not four runs.

Yep.  A couple of seeing eye singles, and a crucial error.  Could have easily gotten out of that.

[BudGirl]

For the record, I enjoy and appreciate your PBP.


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+1

[JimR]

Beltran and McCann have not played up to their contract at all.

Bull shit

[MRaup]

Beltran and McCann have not played up to their contract at all.

You are a Fredia-esque dumbass.

[Aussie Astro]

You are a Fredia-esque dumbass.

I don't recall Fredia ever being mean to anyone, did I miss something?

[juliogotay]

*Joe Musgrove, since moving to the bullpen: 12IP, 7H/1ER, 14K:1BB. 72% of pitches for strikes.
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