Wha? The Astros can beat the Giants? Excellent! Astros win 6-3.
*Big congratualations to Jason Bourgeois, who was 1x3 with a walk, batting in the leadoff spot, and getting his first start since September 6, 2009, and his first hit since September 25, 2009, against Philadelphia. It was just the seventh game he has started.
*There were a slew of multi-hit games: Keppinger (2x4, 3RBI), Lee (2x4, RBI), Johnson (2x4, RBI), and Myers (2x3, RBI).
*The Astros got eleven hits on the night - tied for 4th most of the season - and their 15th game with 10+ hits. They're 11-4 in those games.
*Chris Johnson got two hits with a double and a stolen base, the second time in his ten games this season that he's done it. In the seven games that Johnson has started, he's 7x28.
*Johnson is also operating on a 1:1 hit/error ratio in these last two games.
*Brett Myers threw 7IP, 6H/3R (1ER), 4K:3BB for his 5th win. It was his first quality start in two starts, and the first time he had allowed one earned run since June 1 vs. Washington. He also had three unearned runs in that game, bringing his unearned run total to eight.
*The Astros are 8-7 in games that Myers starts, the only starter with a winning record in games they start.
*My favorite AB of the night: Andres Torres vs. Brandon Lyon. 2 out, top 8th, 2 on. Lyon throws three straight balls, 4th pitch looking, 5th and 6th pitches swinging for the inning-ending K with the tying run at the plate. It was the fourth time Lyon had gotten out to a 3-0 count, and the first time he had come back to get an out - let alone a strikeout.
*Matt Lindstrom struck out two batters in the 9th for his 16th save. It was the first time he had done so since May 27 at Milwaukee (1.2IP, and a blown save). It was the first time he struck out multiple batters in a three-out save opportunity since April 18 (@ Chicago).
Pitch Count Hero: Hunter Pence (1x3, BB) - 23 pitches in four PAs
Pitch Count Punk: Keppinger (2x4) - 13 pitches in four PAs
Man of the Match: Jeff Keppinger.
Goat of the Game: I'm afraid this one's going to Castro. 0x3 (0x2 w/RISP), and a passed ball.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
