Moehler and Edwin Maysonet (Kaz who?) combined to beat the Pirates by themselves, 6-1.
On to the thing:
Moehler: 9IP, 7H/1ER, 4K:2BB
So I'll tell you who was able to get up for some competition with Backe's impending return. How did he do it?
| Pitcher | Pit/Str | Strike% | BF/Outs | Efficiency% | GB/FB/K |
| Moehler | 123/85 | 69.1% | 35/27 | 77.1% | 11/12/4 |
Some breakdowns, if you will:
Of Moehler's 27 outs:
4 strikeouts
11 groundball outs
12 flyball outs
1x4 with RISP
20 first-pitch strikes
8 first-pitch balls
Only got to 2-0 twice
7 first-pitch swinging (1x7)
31 non-contact strikes
6 swinging strikes
25 strike-gazing
And here's the thing - it could have been worse. Pudge struck out swinging - on a baaaad pitch - with the bases loaded to end the first inning. But let's hear it for Edwin Maysonet! 4x4 with his first career home run, first two career doubles, two runs scored, and four RBI. The 6-7-8 triumvirate of Pudge, Keppinger, Maysonet were a combined 8x13 with 5RBI and five runs scored.
One thing that I did not appreciate were the three outs made on the basepaths. Bourn getting thrown out in a rundown at 2nd in the 2nd inning; Tejada pulling a Mays-Hayes in the top of the 3rd to get nailed at 2nd base on Berkman's flyout; and Hunter Pence getting thrown out at home in the 6th on Keppinger's single to left. Of course, the very next batter, Maysonet doubles, scoring Pudge and Keppinger (and what would have been Pence).
But enough negative stuff. Moehler had his first complete game since August 19, 2000 vs Baltimore (the one before that? July 13, 2000 vs Houston - go fig). Maysonet had the most significant start by an Astros rookie since Towles had 85 RBI in one game vs the Cardinals. Berkman and Bourn were both 2x5. Tejada extended his hit streak to 12 games. For one game, life is good.
Man of the Match:
As well - and unexpectedly so - as Moehler did, it has to go to Maysonet.
Goat of the Game:
Tell you what. Everyone, save Moehler, got a hit. No Goat today.
