So Tim Byrdak picked a bad night to have a bad night. Astros lose 6-4.
*But it wasn't Hunter Pence's fault, as he went 4x5 with 3RBI. It was Pence's first four-hit game since June 17, 2009, and the 9th 4+ hit game of his career.
*It's also the third time this season Pence has knocked in three runs.
*Angel Sanchez got two more hits tonight, extending his hitting streak to six games (and 11 of his last 12 games). Since starting his career in Houston 1x11, he's hitting .390 (16x41).
*Jason Bourgeois went hitless for just the 3rd time in which he's started. He not has two hits in his last 17ABs.
*Reds starting pitcher Travis Wood allowed nine hits - a season/career high. Yet the Astros just couldn't get the runs across (save for what Pence and Johnson contributed). The Astros were 2x14 w/RISP. (Pence and Johnson, of course, getting the two hits).
*Let's look at the Astros' LOBs:
1st inning: 2 (1st and 2nd)
2nd inning: 0
3rd inning: 0
4th inning: 1 (1st)
5th inning: 1 (1st)
6th inning: 1 (3rd)
7th inning: 0
8th inning: 3 (loaded, with one out, nobody scored)
9th inning: 2 (1st and 2nd)
So that's 10 left on base, three with runners in scoring position to end the inning. Pedro Feliz struck out with one out and the bases loaded in the 8th, furthering the question of why he's still on the team.
*Bud Norris had a rough one, going 6IP, 4H/4ER, 5K:3BB, an HBP, and throwing 12 of his 25 first-pitches for strikes.
*Tim Byrdak failed to record an out for the second time this season, though he had not given up an earned run since June 7 (19 appearances).
*Nelson Figueroa had a fine debut, striking out one and throwing eight of his ten pitches for strikes in a perfect inning.
Pitch Count Hero: Berkman (1x4, BB) - 24 pitches in five PAs.
Pitch Count Punk: Bourgeois (0x4) - 9 pithces in four PAs.
Man of the Match: Who else? Hunter Pence
Goat of the Game: Because I'm in a pissy mood - Pedro Feliz
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
