Wandy Rodriguez (4-4, 2.14) vs Juan Nicasio (2-2, 4.83)
In an entertaining back and forth game, it was an error which eventually allowed the Colorado Rockies to take a 9-7 lead and sneak away with the opening game in today's Day/Night Doubleheader in Colorado. The Astros lose their 3rd straight and fall to 22-26 while the Rockies now sit at 18-29.
*Wandy Rodriguez was hit hard in the thin Colorado air. His line: 5.0 IP / 10 H / 7 R (4 ER) / 0 BB / 5 K. At least his control was good, as he didn't walk a single batter. Lyon, Wright and Cedeno got work, while Fernando Rodriguez took a tough luck loss.
Observations:
*Schafer led off and had a great day at the plate. In fact, the whole top half of the order had a nice day at the plate.
*Schafer/Altuve/Lowrie/Lee/CJ batted 1 to 5. They went a combined for 12 for 23 with 7 runs scored, 6 RBI, a HR and a SB.
*Bogey/JD/Castro/Wandy batted 6 to 9. They went a combined 0 for 12 with 6 strikeouts. Maxwell and Downs also saw AB's in the #9 spot, and went 0 for 2 combined.
Turning Point:
*In a 7-7 game in the 7th, Jed Lowrie flipped to 2nd on a groundball thinking Altuve had called for it. Unfortunately he didn't and the ball went to an uncovered bag. The Rockies would end up scoring 2 runs in the inning, taking the 9-7 lead.
Man of the Match:
Many good options tonight as the offense was stellar, but going to give it to Schafer. Looks like he's back in form. 3 for 5, 3 runs scored, a triple and a stolen base.
Goat of the Game:
Hate to, but have to give it to Lowrie for the error in the 7th. Lowrie took it luck a man and faced the press after the game, which he wasn't required to do. Good on him. Could have easily been the Man of the Match based on his nice day at the plate, had it not been for that one game changing play.
