I Love Hunter Pence
Well, there's absolutely no doubt who the Astros Player of the Game is: Hunter Pence
With a walk off homer in the 13th inning to end a 13 inning, 4 hour game, Hunter Pence is easily the player of the game. This was the Astros 3rd walk off homer in the last 6 games! Also, he made a heckuva play on the 430' Ryan Howard fly out. It was my friend Libby's favorite moment of the game (until the homer) not because of the catch but because of the look on his face after he caught it and looked back at the "436" sign.
The Astros gave themselves plenty of chances to win the games but in critical spots with 2 outs, the Phillies made their pitches. The Astros first three runs came as a bases loaded double play, a clutch 2 out single by Biggio and a bases loaded walk by Brad Ausmus. The fourth run came in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and 1 out. Carlos Lee grounded out but actually hustled down the first base line and although he looked out, because he hustled he got a safe call, tied the game and gave the Astros the extra time they would need to win.
Roy Oswalt was again less than stellar. He gave up 4 runs in 7 innings and left with his team down a run. He kept the team in the game which is what gave them the ability to tie in the 9th. It was by no means a bad start at all. It was something you would expect from the other 4 starters (a great start for Woody actually) but not what you would expect from Roy. I love Roy and I wouldn't trade him for anybody because he is a big game pitcher, but he hasn't been pitching like a dominant ace in the first half of the season.
The bullpen on the other hand, was very good as they posted 0s from the 8th to the 13th innings. Trever Miller, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, Mark McLemore, Dave Borkowski and Matt Albers each threw in those 6 innings. Dave Borkowski got McLemore out of a jam and Albers impressively worked himself out of a bases loaded 1 out situation. I'm not going to lie, my heart stopped beating for the few seconds between the moment Berkman bobbled the ball and then flipped to Albers. They still aren't lights out but they are lightyears better than they were on the road trip. *shudders*
Aside:![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
kmousie, I was watching the end of the Cubs/Brewers game the other day and saw Rocky Cherry pitching and thought of you!
Tomorrow is Adam Everett commentary. I am very excited! :)
Go Astros!
With a walk off homer in the 13th inning to end a 13 inning, 4 hour game, Hunter Pence is easily the player of the game. This was the Astros 3rd walk off homer in the last 6 games! Also, he made a heckuva play on the 430' Ryan Howard fly out. It was my friend Libby's favorite moment of the game (until the homer) not because of the catch but because of the look on his face after he caught it and looked back at the "436" sign.
The Astros gave themselves plenty of chances to win the games but in critical spots with 2 outs, the Phillies made their pitches. The Astros first three runs came as a bases loaded double play, a clutch 2 out single by Biggio and a bases loaded walk by Brad Ausmus. The fourth run came in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and 1 out. Carlos Lee grounded out but actually hustled down the first base line and although he looked out, because he hustled he got a safe call, tied the game and gave the Astros the extra time they would need to win.
Roy Oswalt was again less than stellar. He gave up 4 runs in 7 innings and left with his team down a run. He kept the team in the game which is what gave them the ability to tie in the 9th. It was by no means a bad start at all. It was something you would expect from the other 4 starters (a great start for Woody actually) but not what you would expect from Roy. I love Roy and I wouldn't trade him for anybody because he is a big game pitcher, but he hasn't been pitching like a dominant ace in the first half of the season.
The bullpen on the other hand, was very good as they posted 0s from the 8th to the 13th innings. Trever Miller, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, Mark McLemore, Dave Borkowski and Matt Albers each threw in those 6 innings. Dave Borkowski got McLemore out of a jam and Albers impressively worked himself out of a bases loaded 1 out situation. I'm not going to lie, my heart stopped beating for the few seconds between the moment Berkman bobbled the ball and then flipped to Albers. They still aren't lights out but they are lightyears better than they were on the road trip. *shudders*
Aside:
kmousie, I was watching the end of the Cubs/Brewers game the other day and saw Rocky Cherry pitching and thought of you! Tomorrow is Adam Everett commentary. I am very excited! :)
Go Astros!
And as my mom said this morning, "Yay, baby boy." *g*
The fireworks were awesome too.
As a side note, I kept wondering why they hadn't sent Sampson home. Or why Philly pinch-hit Hamels. *shakes head*
As for Rocky, I'm glad he did so well his first day back. Of course, then he went on the 15-day DL with shoulder strain. :-/ They sent him to rehab in AZ. Hopefully he'll be better soon. :-)
And yay, Adam!
I think Philly used 23 players that night. Hamels was pinch hitting because they had used all of their position players already.
I didn't know Rocky got hurt. :( That stinks. Maybe he'll play the Express and then you will get to see him up close! ooohhhh!
And yes, yay Adam! I adore him!
I didn't know Rocky got hurt. :( That stinks.
*shrugs* They said it wasn't serious, so I'm not worried. And it wasn't his elbow, which makes me happy.