That's getting old, huh? Astros lost to the Yankees, again late, 4-1 as Mike Hampton impressed by giving up four hits, no runs, and striking out two in five innings against the Yankees.
Jason Smith hit a triple and a single, but also committed his 4th error of the spring - something that doesn't bode well for his status as IF5.
"Those are people that are fighting for utility roles, and nobody's distinguishing themselves," Cooper said of Kata, Smith and Newhan. "I keep calling them out, but nobody seems to step up. That's all I can tell you. We need somebody to step up, and nobody is stepping up."
Blum, Lee and Berkman accounted for the other three hits. In addition to Hampton's performance, Valverde threw a scoreless inning - walking one, while Geary and Brocail gave up the Yankees four runs.
Geary: 2IP, 4H, 2R (0ER), 2K
Brocail (L): 1IP, 2H, 2ER, 1BB, 1K
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
