Erik Bedard (0-2, 6.67) vs A.J. Burnett (3-4, 2.73)
Day 2 of the Astros' honeymoon back in the National League, and tonight's results were much better. It took the 2012 Astros an 0-11 record, until August 11, to pull off an extra-inning win. The 2013 edition knocked that out in their second try. Houston beats Pittsburgh 4-2 in 11, moving to 12-31 overall and falling a game behind Miami in the 2014 draft standings.
On the Mound:
*Erik Bedard returned to his 2012 home park, and for the second straight start, he actually pitched pretty well. A 6 IP / 7 H / 2 R / 2 ER / 0 BB / 3 K line marks his longest outing of the season, and also his first official "quality start."
*Edgar Gonzalez retired his only hitter, Wesley Wright hit the only batter he faced, then Jose Cisnero turned in 3.2 innings of 2-hit, no-run ball to take the Astros through the 10th.
*Jose Veras then got his 8th save opportunity, and recorded his 6th save of 2013 with a perfect 11th. He's officially now exceeded this season his total career saves from the previous seven years combined.
*Edgar Gonzalez retired his only hitter, Wesley Wright hit the only batter he faced, then Jose Cisnero turned in 3.2 innings of 2-hit, no-run ball to take the Astros through the 10th.
*Jose Veras then got his 8th save opportunity, and recorded his 6th save of 2013 with a perfect 11th. He's officially now exceeded this season his total career saves from the previous seven years combined.
At the Plate:
*Jose Altuve returned from the bereavement list and didn't seem to miss a beat, going 3 for 5 with a RBI.
*Chris Carter was the second of three Astros with a multi-hit game tonight, going 2 for 5 with 2 K, and a huge game-tying RBI in the 8th.
*Jason Castro was likewise 2 for 5 with 2 K, but he doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the 11th.
*Matt Dominguez was 0 for 5 with a K, but he earned the GWRBI on a fielder's choice and later scored.
*J.D. Martinez pinch-hit for Cisnero in the 11th and drove in Matty D on a single.
*Trevor Crowe was 1 for 3 with a R, 2 BB, and K.
*Marwin Gonzalez went 1 for 5 and also scored a run.
*Carlos Pena and Robbie Grossman were each 0 for 3, but with 2 BB apiece.
*Chris Carter was the second of three Astros with a multi-hit game tonight, going 2 for 5 with 2 K, and a huge game-tying RBI in the 8th.
*Jason Castro was likewise 2 for 5 with 2 K, but he doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the 11th.
*Matt Dominguez was 0 for 5 with a K, but he earned the GWRBI on a fielder's choice and later scored.
*J.D. Martinez pinch-hit for Cisnero in the 11th and drove in Matty D on a single.
*Trevor Crowe was 1 for 3 with a R, 2 BB, and K.
*Marwin Gonzalez went 1 for 5 and also scored a run.
*Carlos Pena and Robbie Grossman were each 0 for 3, but with 2 BB apiece.
Turning Point:
Jason Castro led off the 11th with a double to CF that narrowly missed going over the fence, then Chris Carter popped up and Carlos Pena was intentionally walked. A wild pitch by Bryan Morris allowed both runners to move up, then Matt Dominguez whacked a grounder to second off the end of the bat. Castro broke for home and slid in safely just inches ahead of Russell Martin's tag, giving the Astros a 3-2 lead.
Man of the Match:
Jose Cisnero. Wins for relief pitchers are usually random, but he earned this one with almost 4 innings of shutout work.
Goat of the Game:
No one deserves it, so no goat tonight. Astros win!
