JA Happ (4-3, 4.56) vs Chris Capuano (6-1, 2.25)
The Astros jumped on the Dodgers early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a Jose Altuve leadoff triple, but the Dodgers didn't waste much time tying and taking the lead in the game. They eventually cruised to a 5-1 win, also winning the series. The Astros now sit at 22-25 while the Dodgers are 32-15.
*JA Happ had a very nice game, and it could have been much better if not for a costly Chris Johnson error in the 7th. His line: 6.1 IP / 9 H / 3 R (2 ER) / 2 BB / 10 K. He continues to have a nice outings and finally is starting to look like a solid middle of the rotation starter. Rodriguez and Del Rosario also saw work, along with Xavier Cedeno.
Observations:
*The Astros have not won a series on the road yet this year and have a road record of 6-15.
*Chris Johnson had a very rough afternoon, going 0 for 3 at the plate and striking out twice, and making 2 errors (one of which was a real dagger in the 7th).
*Jose Altuve led off the game with a standup triple, but was quiet after that. He finished 1 for 4 with a run scored.
*Altuve was leading off because Schafer was out again. Maxwell started in CF and went 0 for 3 with a K.
*All in all, a very tough night for the offense. The Astros only managed 2 hits (1 for Altuve leading off, and 1 for Lowrie batting 2nd). They also only drew 2 walks while striking out 10 times.
Turning Point:
Chris Johnson's error in the 7th was a big one. Had CJ fielded it cleanly it could have been a double play and still a 2-1 game, but that cost the Astros another run, putting them down 3-1. Tough to overcome against some good Dodger pitching.
Man of the Match:
JA Happ had a very nice outing and deserves Man of the Match tonight. Easily could have come away with a win in this one.
Goat of the Game:
Chris Johnson went 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts and 2 errors. Ouch.
