In one corner we have Brandon Backe, who pitched a gem of a game last night in the Astros' 4-3 win over the Phillies--giving up six hits and only one earned run in 7.1 innings pitched. He walked a hitter and struck out six.
In another corner we have Hunter Pence, the Houston Astros' outfielder who hit two solo homers, raising his season batting average to .294--after having gotten off to a horrible start.
In another corner we have Mike Tyson, who's making a comeback in hopes of making some money--JUST KIDDING! (Seriously, I wish all the best to Iron Mike).
In another corner you have Astros closer Jose Valverde, who closed out the game last night with a shaky ninth--giving up four hits and two earned runs for his 15th save of the season. Valverde now has a season ERA of 4.15 and is starting to show vast improvement over his slow start.
I saw the man in this match would be Valverde, and here's why. Valverde had a runner on second with one out when a line drive back to the mound glanced off his face--sending him to the ground in what must've been horrific pain. Such injuries can be not only career-threatening, but life-threatening.
After being checked over carefully by the team trainer and by manager Cecil Cooper, Valverde did something that really showed what cajones he has.
He stayed in the game.
According to MLB.com writer Jim Molony, Valverde's first pitch was 96 mph. He struck out that batter and then gave up an RBI double before ending the game on a flyout.
Maybe Valverde's toughness will serve further as a catalyst for the 28-22 Astros.
Keywords: Astros, Brandon Backe, Hunter Pence, Jose Valverde, Phillies
