Justin Verlander (3-2, 1.83) vs Philip Humber (0-6, 7.58)
So, yeah... saw that one coming. The Astros' offense could muster nothing against Justin Verlander - being held hitless until the 7th - and for the second time in less than two weeks, Houston falls prey to a four-game sweep. Astros lose 9-0, and now sit at a MLB worst 8-24.
On the Mound:
*Brad Peacock is in AAA, and Erik Bedard is in the bullpen. How long now until Philip Humber joins their ranks? Humber is a perfect 7 for 7, having lost every time he's taken the mound this season, and he's a lock to continue that streak as long as he keeps pitching like this. His latest losing line: 4 IP / 8 H / 8 R / 8 ER / 3 BB / 1 K.
*As awful as Bedard has been as a starter this season, maybe long reliever in the bullpen is his niche now. Only an Omar Infante solo HR marred his otherwise 3.1 IP scoreless.
*Travis Blackley gave up a single and got a double play to end the 8th.
*Wesley Wright surrendered a pair of singles before he got three straight fly outs to RF Brandon Barnes to finish the 9th.
At the Plate:
*Verlander had a no-hitter through 6.1 until Carlos Pena broke it up with a single. Pena also had a walk earlier in the game to end up 1 for 3 with 2 K.
*Carlos Corporan gave the Astros back-to-back singles off Verlander and finished 1 for 4 with 2 K.
*Robbie Grossman extended his hitting streak to 7 games after the Astros got into Detroit's bullpen, singling in the 8th to go 1 for 4.
*Ronny Cedeno had Houston's only other hit, with his own 8th-inning single to go 1 for 3 with a K.
Turning Point:
An Andy Dirks single was sandwiched between two fly outs to start the game, and then Prince Fielder took Philip Humber deep to put the Tigers up 2-0 before Justin Verlander ever touched the ball.
Man of the Match:
Carlos Pena, for breaking up the no-no and for being the only Astro to reach base twice.
Goat of the Game:
Philip Humber. I have a hunch he's not long for this team.
