Recap for ST6: Astros v. Mets

What Happened?
The Astros defeated the Mets 8-4, touching up Johan Santana for 6H/4ER in 1.2IP. The Astros cruised out to a 7-2 lead at the end of the 4th and held on for the win.

Why They Won
The Astros won because of big days from unlikely sources. Kaz Matsui was 2x2 with 2BB, including a solo homer off Santana in the first inning. Geoff Blum went off for a 4x4 (two doubles), 2RBI day. Pedro Feliz was 2x4 with a two-run homer in the 4th inning. The Astros also turned three double plays, and the Mets were 2x7 with RISP.

Astros pitching
Brett Myers was solid in his second start of the Spring (how's that for alliteration), throwing 3IP and allowing 4H/2ER, 2K:1BB, both runs coming on a David Wright homer. Matt Lindstrom gets the reliever of the day award, throwing two perfect innings. Other runs came off of Alberto Arias, who left the game with a trapezius strain, and Chris Sampson. Gervacio threw a perfect 9th inning to finish it off.

Astros batting
We already talked about Matsui, Blum, and Feliz, but the Astros scored eight runs despite only going 3x11 w/RISP, and still left eight on base. Feliz and Cory Sullivan had the high LOBs of the day with three each. But of the Astros' 13 hits, six of them were for extra bases (four doubles, two homers).

0-fers: Bourn (0x4), Sullivan (0x4), Quintero (0x4). The Astros' 7-8-9-1 hitters were a combined 1x16.

Positional Battles

Catcher
Castro: 2x2 in a PH/DH role (.500 for the Spring) with a double.
Quintero: 0x4 (.111)

OF5
Yordany: 0x1 (.500)
Romero: 0x1 (.500)
Sullivan: 0x4 (.100)
Bogusevic: 0x1 (.125)

IF6:
Navarro: 0x1 (.000)

You may be thinking that the Astros should go with Towles/Castro, at least after seeing the results of the first six games. But I think this would be a mistake. If Towles wins the job - and it's looking good for him - Castro should head to Round Rock to get regular PAs and plate time.

Man of the Match
Matsui. Hits a homer off Santana in his first AB, and draws two walks to go with his two hits.

Goat of the Game
Cory Sullivan. Got four valuable ABs against the Mets, and got jack crap out of them.