That's more like it, and why we might not be seeing Brett Myers past July 31. Astros defeat the Cardinals 4-1.
*The Astros improve to 13-12 when beginning the 2nd inning with a lead. They scored three in the first inning for the fourth time this season.
*Brett Myers improved his record to 6-6 with 8IP, 5H/1ER, 5K:0BB. It's the first time since his third start of the season (Apr 20 v. Florida) that Myers didn't walk a batter.
*It's also the second time this season that Myers went 8IP (May 16 @SF, in a 4-3 loss).
*In his last 14IP, Myers has allowed 9H/3ER, 7K:1BB. His 3.41 ERA is good enough for 2nd among the starters, and his six wins tie him for the rotation lead.
*Surprising among tonight's stats was chiefly that Myers only threw first-pitch strikes to 11 of the 27 batters he faced. In ABs with the first-pitch strike, the Cardinals were 0x7, 2K. The Cardinals went after four first-pitches (causing the disconnect with the states): 0x4. Yep, whenever Myers threw that first-pitch strike, the Cardinals were 0x11.
*But notice that he didn't walk anybody, despite 16 first-pitch balls. In those ABs, the Cardinals got to a three-ball count just twice.
*Matt Lindstrom made things interesting in the 9th by walking two batters - something he hadn't done (even walking one) since June 20, a span of seven games.
*On to the offense: Jeff Keppinger hit his 3rd homer of the season, and his second in four games. His last three hits have been for extra-bases (two doubles and the homer).
*Hunter Pence drew two walks for the fourth time this season (and the second in four days). He has a five-game hit streak rolling, and is 6x15, 2K:5BB in those games.
*Granted, Pedro Feliz hasn't played much lately - something I think we can all agree isn't the worst thing - but his 2RBI single is his first multi-RBI game since June 15, and his sixth of the season.
*Oswaldo Navarro also isn't playing too much, getting the start at SS tonight, and going 0x2 with a walk. But he is now 1x19 on the season, albeit with 4K:5BB. He has drawn a walk in five of the last six games in which he has appeared.
Pitch Count Hero: Lance Berkman (0x3, BB) - 20 pitches in four PAs.
Pitch Count Punk: Jeff Keppinger (2x4) - 8 pitches in four PAs.
Man of the Match: Brett Myers!
Goat of the Game: How about Michael Bourn? 0x4 and led off two innings with an out.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
