Sunday, May 3, 2009

G25 Recap : Astros Win Rubber Match

With Magic Wandy only going 5 innings today and throwing 86 pitches, the bullpen parade was needed to cover the last four innings while giving the offense a chance to bust out. And bust out they did, providing 7 runs on 10 hits. The Astros improve to 4-2 on the roadtrip by taking 2 out of 3 from the Braves, while improving to 11-14 overall.
The AstBros managed to tie a franchise record by hitting 4 sac flies in the contest. One in the 1st off the bat of Berkman, then in the 6th from Pudge, again in the 7th by Lee, and the last one in the 8th by Blum.
This was a team effort for the second night in a row, as every starter but one (Keppinger 0-1 2BB) had a hit.
The relievers combined line was not as pretty as last night (4 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K) but was just as effective. Aside from Brocail pulling a hammy and Sampson being battered last night, the Astros staff should have a good feeling about themselves after the first six games of the trip. Next comes a quick series in Washington against a bad Nats team. A long outing from Moehler would be just what the Dr. ordered.
Not lost on Coop, was the performance of Michael Bourn, who was 3/4 with 2 runs, 1 RBI and 2 SB. Between Bourn and AzzMat, the top of the order is functioning at a high level right now and giving the middle of the order plenty of chances to score runs.

Man of the Match: Has to be Bourn tonight. Raised his BA to .301. He is turning into Kenny Lofton right before our eyes.

Goat De Jour: Wandy for lack of a better option. He wanted to keep going, but Coop was unhappy with his location during the 4th and 5th. He put our bullpen in a precarious situation by leaving so early. His line was pedestrian : 5IP, 6H, 3ER, 3BB, 3K