The Astros can hit
Posted by Houston Sports Nut on April 23, 2008
It appears that, contrary to popular belief, the Houston Astros can hit the ball and put some runs on the board.
After limping out to a 6-12 start, the Astros have won three-in-a-row now after Tuesday’s 11-7 win over the San Diego Padres, giving them their first series sweep of the season and marking the third consecutive game in which they’ve scored six runs or more.
Early on this season, the offense was anemic outside of Lance Berkman. On Tuesday, several players got it going, most notably shortstop Miguel Tejada, who was 4-for-5 with a double and 2 RBIs.
Every hitter in the lineup except catcher J.R. Towles and pinch-hitter Jose Cruz Jr. recorded a hit. This, on a night when the Astros were facing All-Star righthander Jake Peavy, who has given the Astros their fair share of fits over the years.
Not all was perfect - Doug Brocail came in with a four-run lead and promptly blew it, giving all four runs back in the eighth. The last one gave Jose Valverde a hard-luck blown save, as he gave up an RBI-sacrifice fly that tied the game at 7-7.
But he looked good for his 1 1/3 innings and maybe it could be a sign of things to come.
Regardless, Astros fans should be at least a little happy. The offense is rolling, and the Astros have put together their first three-game win-streak of the year.
