The Houston Astros played their final spring game versus the Cleveland Spiders and the series ended in a split. That would be 25 games for Houston and 25 games for Cleveland. Or so it would seem any way.
Brandon Duckworth started the game and by all indications did well in his six inning stint. He gave up 8 hits, four runs (three of which were earned) and struck out 4 while walking 1. That would be the type of line you'd take from a #5 or even a #4. John Franco and Chad Harville finished the game for the good guys. Franco did well, Harville not so good. The game was tied at 4 all going into the 9th inning, thanks in part to an early three run shot by Morgan Ensberg, when the wheels fell off for Harville. Cleveland scored two runs to go up 6-4, but Houston managed to score three in their half of the inning to secure the win and the series split. Most of the damage late was done by the youngsters vying for a roster spot, namely Willy Tavares and Chris Burke. Burke got the game tying single prior to Tavares scored the winning run from third on a sacrifice fly ball by Brad Ausmus. Final score 7-6, so long Cleveland, see 'ya in the funny papers... or sumptin' like that.
The Astros travel to Vero Beach on Wednesday to meet up with former teammate Jeff Kent and his new team of Trolley Dojers. Brandon Backe takes the hill for the Mud and Blood nine. In other news, 8 men were trimmed from the major league roster today:
Dave Burba, Trenidad Hubbard, Carlos Rivera, Chris Tremie, Dax Norris, Travis Driskill, Phil Norton and Mike Coolbaugh were assigned to the minor leagues. Some players, like Burba can choose to opt out of the assignment and look for a major league job... or possibly retire. There are officially 29 players left in the major league roster, but Lance Berkman will be placed on the DL and indications are that Humberto Quintero is AAA bound soon. Players on the bubble are Zeke Astacio (options left), Mike Gallo (one option year left), Chris Burke (options), Willy Tavares (options) and Chad Harville (no options left).
