Sparky got his legs under him, tried something new with his delivery (a little Wade Millerish if you ask me) and gave the Astros 5.2 1 run innings. He struck out 11 in those innings, (but they were Reds so they only count as half a strikeout) most of the damage done on well placed fastballs and a tighter curve.
The battle for left field continues as Luke Scott tripled home a run and threw out the lumbering Casey at second. Beat that Mr Peepers. In all the Astros got only 5 hits, but they made them count. Taveras contibuted to the scoring by singling home Ausmus from second, and Berkman hit one in the Biggio Boxes. Jason Lane got hit in the back on the second pitch after the homer and nobody blinked. Although Vern came out to the mound, possibly to ask Harang what the hell did he think he was doing? I am so glad the Astros are a team of grownups.
Mike Gallo cleaned up the potentially dangerous 6th, 2 on, 2 outs, on one pitch got Casey to pop up to left. Then, and get used to this trio, Qualls, Wheeler, and Lidge finished it.
As the team was walking off the field, Garner pointed at Astacio, who smiled. Garner put his arm on our next starting pitcher and had an animated conversation. "You're next, let's keep it going", he may have said.
In all the Astros allowed the Reds, the runs scored leader in the NL, 3 runs in the series.
7:05 Astacio v. Mulder
