Bud Norris (6-7, 3.22) vs Adam Wainwright (11-5, 2.36)
So much for BudChuck. With the Astros now in the American League, and with the seeming likelihood that Bud Norris will be traded before the month is out, there's a better than good chance that tonight was Bud's final start for Houston against his favorite opponent. It was supposed to be a pitcher's duel extraordinare, pitting the Astros' de facto ace against the Cardinals' legitimate one. Adam Wainwright lived up to the billing; Bud decidedly did not. Astros lose 9-5, and it took a 4-run Houston 9th to make it even that close. They drop to 32-58 overall.
On the Mound:
*If tonight was indeed Bud's last start for Houston against the Cards, let's remember him for his gem in the final NL game at MMP last season, rather than the clunker that was tonight. Behold: 5 IP / 11 H / 7 R / 7 ER / 1 BB / 5 K.
*Lucas Harrell made his bullpen debut, and first impressions were not compelling in support of reclaiming his rotation spot. His line: 3 IP / 4 H / 2 R / 2 ER / 2 BB / 0 K.
At the Plate:
*Houston's only run before the 9th came on a J.D. Martinez RBI single in the 6th. Martinez finished 1 for 5 with 2 K.
*Brett Wallace had the only XBH tonight, going 1 for 5 with a double, a run scored, a RBI, and 2 K. He also played 3B tonight and turned in a pair of nice diving plays on defense.
*Jake Elmore didn't start, but finished 2 for 2 with a RBI in 2 PA.
*Jose Altuve also had a RBI single, finishing 1 for 5.
*Matt Dominguez singled as a pinch hitter leading off the 9th and came around to score.
*Carlos Pena was 1 for 3 with 2 K.
*Bud Norris went 1 for 2 to tie Lucas Harrell for the team lead in hits by Astros pitchers (1).
*Chris Carter (BB), Brandon Barnes (0 for 3, BB, K), and Jimmy Paredes (0 for 2, K) each scored a run apiece. Paredes also had a RBI on a fielder's choice in the 9th.
Turning Point:
Matt Carpenter led off the bottom of the 1st with a single. After Carlos Beltran flied out, Matt Holliday homered to put St. Louis up 2-0. It would be 7-0 before Houston would score, 9-1 before they would score again, and a valiant 9th inning rally would still only make up half of the deficit.
Man of the Match:
Uh. Brett Wallace?
Goat of the Game:
Bud Norris. An ugly farewell to St. Louis for Cuddly Budly.
