Well well. Astros take it to the Cubs with a 5-run first inning, 11-5.
*This is the first time the Astros have scored more than 10 runs all season.
*The five runs in the first were the most in any Astro first inning this season, and tied the season-high for runs in an inning.
*This was the 11th time the Astros had allowed five runs in a game, and they improve to 4-7.
*The Astros' 17 hits are a season-high, beating the previous high of 15 hits - vs. the Nationals on June 1.
*Angel Sanchez and Chris Johnson (yeah, why is Pedro Feliz even sniffing the lineup?) had three-hit games. Johnson ended the night a double short of a cycle, with Johnson hitting his first career home run in the 7th inning.
*The Astros drew more walks than strukeouts for the 14th time this season, mainly thanks to Jeff Keppinger (three walks) and Lance Berkman (two walks).
*Jason Castro snapped out of a pretty brutal July slump, coming into the game 3x29, with a 2x5, HR, 3RBI night. He has 4RBI on the season.
*1-4 in the lineup: 7x21, 3K:3BB, 4RBI; 5-8 in the lineup: 10x17, 0K:3BB, 6RBI.
*Wandy didn't have a great night, but was able to ride the offense for a win (going 2x3, 2B himself). His 5ER are the most he's allowed where he got the win all season.
*Wandy's four wild pitches are the most in a season since 2006, when he had six.
Pitch Count Hero: Lance Berkman (1x4, 2BB) - 30 pitches in six PAs
Pitch Count Punk: Carlos Lee (2x5) and Jason Castro (2x5) - 16 pitches in five PAs.
Man of the Match: How about Chris Johnson? What with the first career homer, and all.
Goat of the Game: No Goat. I'll take an 11-spot on the Cubs day in and day out.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
