Erik Bedard (3-4, 4.59) vs Justin Grimm (7-6, 5.84)
So close. So close, the Astros were, to taking a series on the road from their hated in-state rivals. By the benefit of two Ranger errors in the top of the 5th, they tied the score at 4-4, and chased Justin Grimm from the game. But a Jose Altuve error in the bottom of the frame gave the run back, and Houston couldn't scratch through against the Texas bullpen. And so it goes - Astros drop the game and the series by a 5-4 score. They hit the road to St. Louis at 32-57 overall.
On the Mound:
*Walks and homers were Erik Bedard's undoing, as he gave up 4 ER for the second straight start. But it was the critical fifth, unearned run that cost Bedard & Co. the game, ending his day with a 6.1 IP / 5 H / 5 R / 4 ER / 5 BB / 4 K line, including two home runs allowed.
*Paul Clemens allowed back-to-back singles before recording back-to-back outs to escape the 7th.
*Wesley Wright shook off Saturday's bad outing to fan two in a perfect 8th.
*Paul Clemens allowed back-to-back singles before recording back-to-back outs to escape the 7th.
*Wesley Wright shook off Saturday's bad outing to fan two in a perfect 8th.
At the Plate:
*The Colossus of Krauss may be awakening. After last night's 3-for-4 performance, Marc Krauss followed up today with his first big league homer - a two-run blast to straightaway center that put Houston on the board in the 2nd. Marc finished 1 for 4 with a K.
*J.D. Martinez was the multi-hit man today, going 3 for 4 with a RBI single in the 4th.
*Carlos Corporan was 1 for 4 with a run scored and a K.
*Brandon Barnes was 1 for 3 with a K, and scored on a run on a pair of pickoff attempt errors by Texas in the 5th.
*Jose Altuve was 1 for 4 with 2 SB, but more importantly his fielding error in the 5th allowed Ian Kinsler to reach and later score the winning run.
*Carlos Pena was 0 for 2 with a BB and K, scoring a run on Krauss' homer.
*Matt Dominguez was 1 for 3 with 2 K for Houston's other hit.
*J.D. Martinez was the multi-hit man today, going 3 for 4 with a RBI single in the 4th.
*Carlos Corporan was 1 for 4 with a run scored and a K.
*Brandon Barnes was 1 for 3 with a K, and scored on a run on a pair of pickoff attempt errors by Texas in the 5th.
*Jose Altuve was 1 for 4 with 2 SB, but more importantly his fielding error in the 5th allowed Ian Kinsler to reach and later score the winning run.
*Carlos Pena was 0 for 2 with a BB and K, scoring a run on Krauss' homer.
*Matt Dominguez was 1 for 3 with 2 K for Houston's other hit.
Turning Point:
After the Astros tied the game at 4 in the top of the 5th, Ian Kinsler led off the bottom of the frame by grounding to second for what should have been the first out. The ball went through Altuve's legs, however, putting Kinsler safely on first. Elvis Andrus followed with a walk, then Nelson "Biogenesis" Cruz singled to left to drive Kinsler home. Bedard got the next two Rangers to fly out, so Altuve's error made the run unearned and cost Houston the game.
Man of the Match:
Marc Krauss. He started 1 for 15 in his first 10 games, but finished the Texas series 4 for 8 with 4 RBI.
Goat of the Game:
Jose Altuve. Bedard wasn't great, but he pitched well enough to keep Houston in it. Altuve's error was the difference.
