Houston is learning that they can play well against bad teams and pitching. But as evidenced by the St. Louis series, they have yet to show consistency against good pitchers and hitters like Albert Pujols*.
The Astros (12-14) managed only one run and four hits today as St. Louis used only two pitchers. Houston relied on four and is going to wear out its bullpen if it can't get more innings out of its starters. Brandon Backe, so good in recent starts, gave up five hits, four runs and five walks in five innings pitched today.
Michael Bourn, with today's 0-4 performance, is now hitting .195 and is now officially below the dreaded Mendoza Line.
If Houston's bats turn anemic again, it'll be time for manager Cecil Cooper to do one of two things: get ejected from a game or borrow a classic skipper gesture and flip over the post-game buffet tables.
Tomorrow Houston begins a three-game series in Arizona.
*Remember that home run ball Albert Pujols hit off of Brad Lidge in the 2005 NLCS? The ball has finally landed--203 miles away in Oglesby, Texas.
Keywords: Astros, Cardinals, Cecil Cooper, Michael Bourn
