…Courtesy of a 5-3 win this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. Houston (11-12) is learning this simple formula: Solid pitching + Clutch hitting = Victory
today, Houston’s pitchers were very impressive—especially the bullpen. Starter J Cassell picked up the win as he pitched five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Houston’s relievers (including Jose Valverde) combined for four innings pitched, giving up only one hit, no runs and striking out three. What’s more, Astros pitchers today didn’t walk a single batter.
Lance Berkman provided early fireworks with a two-run, first-inning home run. Apparently Lance likes Great American Ballpark: his sixth home run on the season was also his 18th career round-tripper at GAB—the most of any active non-Reds players.
GAB was also the scene a few years ago for Jeff Bagwell’s 399th and 400th career home runs.
Even the Astros pitchers got into the act, going 2-3 with an RBI.
Hunter Pence, in a leadoff role today, went 2-4 with a double and a run scored. He’s now hitting .268 on the season and is starting to really put a considerable deal of distance between himself and the dreaded Mendoza Line that he was under earlier.
The ’Stros have now climbed to fourth place in the NL Central. Hmmm, maybe Cecil Cooper should get ejected from games more often.
Houston begins a three-game series tomorrow in St. Louis.
Keywords: Astros, Cecil Cooper, Great American Ballpark, Hunter Pence, Jose Valverde, Lance Berkman, Reds
