This is why I think the Astros will win today: Because the franchise record is 0-9. And the Astros are not good enough to tie, or set, any kind of record.
Who We Got
St. Louis: 6-2, 1st place, 1.5 games up
At home: 2-0
Vs. Houston: 2-0
Runs scored/Against: 44/25
Houston: 0-8, 6th place, 6GB
Road: 0-2
Runs Scored/Runs Against: 14/44
Starting Pitchers
Kyle Lohse: 0-0, 6.00 ERA / 1.50 WHIP
Last game: @MIL. 6IP, 6H/4ER, 3K:3BB
Bud Norris: 0-1, 10.12 ERA / 3.75 WHIP
Last game: vPHI.: 2.2IP, 6H/3ER, 3K:4BB
Why the Astros Will Win
See above.
Because, as we discussed yesterday regarding Brett Myers, Bud Norris has something to prove. Namely, that he shouldn't be shipped down to Round Rock in favor of Josh Banks.
Because Norris has pitched against the Cardinals twice in 2009, and is 2-0 in 13IP with 8H/0ER, 8K:6BB against St. Louis.
Because Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence own Kyle Lohse. Pence is 9x25 (.360/.407/.520) and Lee is 20x59 with five HRs (.339/.400/.695). This could be the day both get their seasons on track.
Why the Astros Will Lose
Because Kyle Lohse is 3-1 in his last five games (including three starts in '09) against Houston. All were quality starts, and the one in St. Louis was a complete game shutout.
Because, against the Brewers, Lohse held the 3-4-5 hitters to a 2x8 day. And the Brewers' 3-4-5 hitters are, currently, way better than the Astros' 3-4-5 hitters.
Because Pujols is kind of on a roll. He has an RBI in his last four - and six of eight - games this season. Myers kept Pujols "quiet" last night, but with Albert 1x4 is a bad night.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
