This is getting pretty old. Roy gave up 6H/4ER - and gave up a leadoff homer to former unsigned pick Drew Stubbs - in a 5-4 loss to the Reds. He didn't take the loss, and got his 16th No Decision. Roy would need to win his final two starts to reach 10 wins on the season which, if he doesn't, would be the first time in his career he didn't get to double-digits. Let's do the thing:
Roy: 5IP, 6H/4ER, 3K:0BB, 13/21 First-pitch strikes, 21/53 non-contact strikes (15 called:6 swinging)
Brocail: 1IP, 2H, 4/4 FPS, 5/9 NCS (3c:2s)
Gervacio: 1IP, 1H/1ER, 2K:1BB, 1L, 2/6 FPS, 6/9 NCS (3c:3s)
LaHawk: 1IP, 1K, 2/3 FPS, 3/6 NCS (3c)
Gervacio took the loss, giving up his first run since August 18, and seeing his ERA bump from 0.68 to 1.26. His 18 pitches were the most he has needed to get through an inning since that 8/18 game, as well.
What's most irritating is how the Astros actually had a 3-0 lead before the Reds came to bat. Then they got two in the bottom of the first. Matsui hit a leadoff homer in the 3rd to make it 4-2, and though the runs were charged to Roy, Brocail gave up the hits for the final two runs in the bottom of the 6th. Paul Janish had an RBI double scoring the leadoff man Gervacio HBPed for the go-ahead run.
Hunter Pence had a rough night - (hint: foreshadowing) in the #3 spot, hitting in Berkman's place, who was out with a bad back. But he was the only position player who did not reach base.
Pitch Count Hero: Hunter Pence - 19 pitches in 4 PAs (0x4)
Pitch Count Punk: Geoff Blum - 9 pitches in 4 PAs (1x4)
Man of the Match: Kaz Matsui. 2x4 with 2RBI and his 6th homer of the year.
Goat of the Game: Hunter Pence. 0x4 with a strikeout and three groundouts. Didn't get the ball out of the infield.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
