It would seem to me that the best way to show that you're for real is to not follow up a seven-game winning streak with a three-game sweep at the hands of a team you swept last week. Astros lose 11-6.
*The Astros were swept for the 10th time this season, counting the two-game series against the Dodgers in May.
*The Astros have now lost four straight, after winning a season-high seven games in a row, meaning that their six-game road trip saw them go 2-4.
*Houston actually took a 2-0 lead in this game. It's the 30th time this season the Astros have blown a lead to lose the game.
*The Brewers and Astros both got 12 hits, but the Brewers managed 11 runs. How? Six walks helped. Five of the six Brewers who walked later scored in the inning.
*This was obviously not Wesley Wright's day, and I'm not sure how the Astros will handle him. With Moehler and Paulino possibly out for the season, the Astros may rely on Josh Banks or Nelson Figueroa to take the ball. Or they could just keep running Wright out there and give him on-the-job training.
*Wright lasted 2.1IP with 5H/7ER, 1K:4BB. It's the second time in four games an Astro starter couldn't get out of the 3rd.
*Gustavo Chacin allowed 3ER in his 1IP, allowing runs in back-to-back appearances, though the last time he had pitched was August 4. Since July 1, Chacin has posted 10.1IP, 22H/12ER, 7K:4BB, sending his ERA from 2.79 to 5.52.
*Wilton Lopez, however, hasn't allowed a run since July 18, a span of 10 innings.
*Congrats to Jeff Fulchino, who made his first appearance since August 3 (second since coming back from the DL). He needed 20 pitches to get six outs, not allowing any batter to reach base.
*Michael Bourn had the big bat of the day, going 3x5 with two runs and 2RBI, collecting his 23rd double of the year.
*Jeff Keppinger was back in the #3 hole, and responded accordingly, going 2x5 with 2RBI - both hits coming with runners in scoring position.
*Carlos Lee was 2x3 with a walk and 2RBI, hitting 5th - after Pence. Most notably, however, was that, after Blum pinch-hit for Brett Wallace, Lee slid over to first base.
*1-5 in the lineup went 10x23 with 6RBI. 6-8 went 2x11.
*Chris Johnson was 1x4 on the day. In his lone hitless game since July 16, he still drew a walk, so Johnson runs his on-base streak to 21 games.
*Pitch Count Hero: Jeff Keppinger (2x5) - 23 pitches in five PAs.
*Pitch Count Punk: Chris Johnson (1x4) - 10 pitches in four PAs.
*Man of the Match: Going with Michael Bourn on this one.
*Goat of the Game: Wesley Wright. Enough said.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
