Well, things seemed to be going really great at first. Until the Astros bullpen came in to pitch batting practice.
During the middle of the game, no less.
Carlos Lee's first-inning three-run homerun went for nought as the Phillies scored a combined 11 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to win 15-6. Astros starter Chris Sampson gave up four runs in five innings, but compared to the relievers, he looked like Cy Young. Fernando Nieve, pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2006, didn't get anybody out as he gave up four runs. He picked up the loss and has a hefty ERA of 18.00. Lefty Wesley Wright gave up one run in an inning and Dave Borkowski gave up six runnings in one inning.
It must really stink for Sampson, since the bullpen cost him a win. Phillies starter Cole Hamels pitched very shakily, giving up 7 hits and 6 earned runs in four innings. At least Houston was able to have success off a left-handed starter. After the game, Nieve was optioned to Houston's minor leagues to Triple-A Round Rock (near Austin, Texas). Jack Cassel, another righty, was called up.
Houston (29-23) begins a road series Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Keywords: Astros, Carlos Lee, Chris Sampson, Fernando Nieve, Phillies
