And the Astros defeat the Pirates 6-2.
*The Astros are 4-0 against the Pirates this season. They have four wins against just four teams this season, and three of them are NL Central teams (Chicago, Colorado, St. Louis, Pittsburgh)
*The Astros are 16-12 against the NL Central with the win. And 5-8 against the NL East, and 9-19 against the NL West.
*Jeff Keppinger was 3x4 on the night - the fourth time he's had a three-hit game this season. He's rolled up an eight-game hit streak, since game one of the Milwaukee series, and is 12x34 with 4K:3BB, and 4RBI.
*Berkman had three RBI on the night, just the second time he's had 3+ RBI this season. His homer was his third since June 3.
*Angel Sanchez was 0x4, and is hitting .071 through five games (meaning that he's perfect for an Astro!). Out of the shortstop position, the Astros have posted a .225/.289/.270 line.
*Wandy threw 7IP, 4H/1ER, 10K:2BB for the win. It's the first time he recorded double-digit strikeouts, and his 37 non-contact strikes (22 looking, 15 swinging) are a season-high.
*Since coming off the DL, Chris Sampson hasn't given up an earned run in five of six appearances, or in three straight. In the three games prior to going on the DL, he gave up 12H/11ER in 2IP.
Pitch Count Hero: Berkman (1x4) - 25 pitches in four PAs
Pitch Count Punk: Pence (2x4) - 8 pitches in four PAs
Man of the Match: Going with Berkman here - the three-RBI game for him is too rare to not tip the cap to.
Goat of the Game: Angel Sanchez. 0x4 with an error.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
