Defensive lapses and another poor outing by Brad Lidge doomed the Astros on Friday night, turning a 4-2 lead after seven innings into a 5-4 loss to the Rockies.
Preston Wilson provided most of Houston's offense, going 3x4 with 3 RBI. His RBI single in the 1st scored Lance Berkman, and another single in the 3rd scored two. Craig Biggio added an RBI single of his own in the 4th, putting the Astros out to a 4-0 lead.
With two runners on and nobody out in the bottom of the 4th, Berkman fielded a grounder and attempted to turn the double play. However, his throw sailed into left field, allowing Brad Hawpe to score from second and advancing Matt Holliday to third. Holliday scored on the following play, a grounder to short. Garrett Atkins added an RBI GIDP in the 8th off Chad Qualls to cut the lead to 4-3. The run was charged to Taylor Buchholz, who had started the inning.
Lidge did not have a very promising start in the 9th, giving up a leadoff double to left-center by Hawpe. Clint Barmes then put down a sac bunt down the third base line, and Morgan Ensberg threw the ball past Berkman at first. Hawpe scored from second, to which Barmes also advanced. After another sac bunt and a walk to Eli Marrero, Lidge was yanked in favor of Dan Wheeler. When Marrero stole second, Wheels intentionally walked Cory Sullivan to load the bases, and then walked Jamey Carroll on a full count to force in the winning run.
Buchholz's strong outing (7+ IP, 6 H, 2 ER) was apparently not good enough to earn the win tonight. Lidge took the loss (his second) and the blown save (his third). Berkman's error was his first of the season, while Ensberg's was his 7th. Mo also struck out three times. Wilson's 3 RBI game was a new high for him this season.
At the time of this writing, Wandy Rodriguez, who has been suffering from cold sores in his mouth, is still expected to make his Saturday night start. However, stay tuned for any changes. Jason Jennings pitches for Colorado. First pitch is 7:05pm CDT.
