C.J. Wilson (0-1, 9.53) vs Jarred Cosart (1-0, 0.00)
It was fun while it lasted. The Astros broke out with five home runs in yesterday's win, after struggling to score just two runs in the first two games of the series. Today was a return to the struggles, as C.J. Wilson was dominant, and Houston fell 8-1. Angels take the weekend wraparound series 3-1, and the Astros complete Week 1 of the 2014 season at 3-4.
On the Mound:
*Jarred Cosart's first start was great in that he managed to avoid allowing any free baserunners via walks. Today he did not do so well, walking 4 versus 3 hits in 6 innings, resulting in a 6 IP / 3 H / 5 R / 5 ER / 4 BB / 4 K line.
*Brad Peacock was no better than Cosart today, walking 2 while allowing 5 hits and 4 runs (all earned) in 3 innings pitched.
*Brad Peacock was no better than Cosart today, walking 2 while allowing 5 hits and 4 runs (all earned) in 3 innings pitched.
At the Plate:
*Crickets, mostly. Jesus Guzman had a one-out double in the 2nd, but advanced no further, finishing 1x3.
*Chris Carter likewise was stranded at second after a one-out double in the 5th, finishing 1x3 with 2 K.
*Only Carlos Corporan got the Astros on the board with a solo HR off Wilson in the 8th, ending his day 1x3.
*L.J. Hoes (0x2, BB, K) walked and Jonathan Villar (1x4, K) followed with a single in the 8th, but the hit was immediately erased when Hoes was caught trying to go first to third. That was it for the Astros offense.
*Chris Carter likewise was stranded at second after a one-out double in the 5th, finishing 1x3 with 2 K.
*Only Carlos Corporan got the Astros on the board with a solo HR off Wilson in the 8th, ending his day 1x3.
*L.J. Hoes (0x2, BB, K) walked and Jonathan Villar (1x4, K) followed with a single in the 8th, but the hit was immediately erased when Hoes was caught trying to go first to third. That was it for the Astros offense.
Turning Point:
A troublesome 1st dug Houston an early hole that they would never escape. Cosart started the game by walking Kole Calhoun, then got Mike Trout to strike out. Albert Pujols next grounded to short, but everyone was safe on a fielder's choice by Jonathan Villar, and Cosart walked Josh Hamilton to load the bases. Raul Ibanez grounded to first for out #2 while Calhoun scored, but Howie Kendrick followed with Los Angeles' only hit of the inning - a two-run single that made it 3-0 Angels. Cosart got Ian Stewart to strike out, ending the inning, but that was just the start of Houston's long afternoon.
Man of the Match:
Carlos Corporan, with the Astros' American League-leading (!) 10th home run of the season.
Goat of the Game:
Jarred Cosart. If he can't keep the walks under control, regression is inevitable.
