Sparky recovered from his last outing and held the Rockies to 2 runs. Same as Friday; only today, it was just one too many. The Rockies started the first with a double, but Roy struck out Gonzalez, got Helton to line out, and struck out Atkins. He had a runner on in every inning but pretty much sailed through, except for the 3rd. Ardoin led off that inning with a double, the Rockies pounded out 3 more singles and were able to get their 2 runs.
The Astros also had a runners on 2nd and 3rd, with one out in the 1st. Lamb, (3x4) playing for Berkman who has a tight hamstring because he forgot to stretch out on Friday, doubled. But with Biggio on 3rd and Lamb on 2nd, 1 out, Ensberg and Wilson both struck out. The chance to score first was wasted.
The game settled down after that. Aaron Cook had some hop on his fastball and kept the Astros hitters down, except for Clank. Despite a blustery wind this was a tight pitching duel. But the Astros had their chances. Lamb doubled again in the 6th to open the inning. This time Ensberg and Wilson advanced him, eventually scoring him, with fly balls. Their last scoring opportunity came in the 7th, Everett doubled with one out, but was stranded at 3rd when Biggio lined hard to the third baseman.
Rubber game at 1:05 Pettitte v. Jeff Francis.
