The Astros actually used the long-ball to win a game in a 6-3 win over the Pirates.
*The Astros hit four homers (Berkman, Lee, Keppinger, Pence) for the first time this season. They hit five against the Reds in a 6-5 loss on September 16, 2009. Three of the four homers came on a pitch immediately following a ball.
*It's the first time since May 5 that the Astros didn't get a multi-hit game from the offense, but still won. (vs. Padres: 4-2 win).
*The Astros drew seven walks on the night for this sixth time this season. They're 5-1 in games where they draw 7+ walks. In five July games, they have drawn 23 walks. Since June 19 (16 games), the Astros have actually drawn 63 walks (4.2/game) and are 8-8.
*Berkman has hit back-to-back homers for the first time since May 11-12 (@ St. Louis). Carlos Lee hit back-to-back homers for the third time this season (June 2-3; May 18-19).
*The offense took a first-pitch ball in 20 of their 38 plate appearances.
*Brian Moehler got the start, but left with an apparent groin injury, leaving it up to the bullpen. Gustavo Chacin have up all three of the Pirates' runs. Chacin had made four straight appearances without allowing a run (10 outs), tying a season-long. Chacin walked a batter for the first time since June 18 (nine appearances).
*Casey Daigle earned his first win since May 10, 2004. But it wasn't without some drama. Jose Tabata reached on a leadoff single, Pedro Alvarez and Ryan Doumit walked (because, you know, Daigle throws strikes) to load the bases. With Ryan Church up, Daigle got him swinging to end the inning and keep the game 3-3. Coming into that AB, Daigle had the bases loaded three times this season, and allowed one hit - a grand slam.
Pitch Count Hero: Lance Berkman (1x2, 2BB) - 19 pitches in four PAs
Pitch Count Punk: Chris Johnson (0x4) and Angel Sanchez (1x3, BB) - 10 pitches in four PAs.
Man of the Match: Gotta go with Berkman here. He hit the go-ahead homer, and was able to draw two walks - one of which preceded a 2-run shot by Lee.
Goat of the Game: Gustavo Chacin. Immediately turned a 3-0 lead into a tie game with two doubles, a single, and a walk.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
