These are getting less and less fun to do. Astros lose at Arlington, 8-3.
*This loss drops the Astros to 2-11 against the Rangers since the beginning of 2009.
*The Astros have played 36 games on the road, and 38 games at home. They're 13-25 at home, and 14-22 on the road.
*Since May 30, they're 6-5 on the road, and 2-8 at home.
*J.A. Happ only lasted 2.2IP, allowing 8H/7R (5ER), 3K:1BB, and only threw a first-pitch strike to six of eighteen batters. His nine losses are the most in the NL.
*It was his shortest outing since his season finale on October 2, 2010, when he allowed 8H/8R (7ER), 3K:5BB in 3IP against the Cubs; and it was the first time he didn't get out of the 3rd since his season finale on October 4, 2009 (2IP, 4H/2ER), 1K:1BB).
*The Astros are 3-12 when Happ starts, and haven't won one of his starts since May 14 (0-7).
*Four times the Astros starters have posted games scores of 20 or less: Nelson Figueroa (April 6), Wandy Rodriguez (April 2), and J.A. Happ (April 5 and last night).
*Aneury Rodriguez dominated in relief, allowing just 2H/0ER, 2K:0BB in 4.1IP. In 5.2IP (yeah, two games) since rejoining the bullpen, Aneury has allowed 2H/0ER, 4K:1BB.
*Mark Melancon allowed a 9th inning homer to Mitch Moreland, giving up 2H/1ER in 1IP. It's the first earned run he has allowed since May 30, and he has given up four hits in his last 2IP. It's also the 2nd homer he's allowed, with the other one coming on May 17 at Atlanta.
*Jeff Keppinger was 2x4 with a double - the only extra-base hit of the game. The Astros have five extra-base hits (all doubles) in their last three games, and have not hit a home run since June 10 - a span of 90 innings and 385 plate appearances.
*Jason Michaels also was 2x4, and got 2RBI out of the day. Your top five in the lineup went a combined 6x18, 0K:1BB. Your bottom four in the lineup went a combined 1x14, 5K:2BB.
*Congratulations to Michael Bourn, who stole his 30th base for the 4th straight season, getting that 30th SB in the 74th game, the fastest in his career. In 2010 he reached it in his 93rd game; 2009 - 86th; 2008 - 75th (also against Texas).
*Man of the Match: Jason Michaels, I guess.
*Goat of the Game: J.A. Happ
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
