 |
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| Roger Clemens | Dustin Nippert |
| 2 - 4, 2.09 | 0 - 1, 10.80 |
Ah, great. A pitcher who's 0 - 1 with a 10.80 and who spent most of the year at AAA.
I hope we can keep from being no hit.
Found it interesting to see that ESPN readers who bothered to vote disapproved of the job Garner is doing by a 52 - 48 margin.
Also interesting was how well everybody thought he was doing in April when the Astros were 19 - 9, and how crappy they think he's done since.
Now this doesn't excuse using Andy Pettitte in relief when there was a perfectly good reliever available, but with the recent resurgence of Willy Taveras, I wondered how many managers/organizations would have even given Taveras another shot.
Rampant on the rumor pages a month or so ago were the tales that the Astros had given up on the erstwhile Roadrunner. Turns out this wasn't so, and if Willy T was last night's true game hero, as several here have argued, how many of those so inclined are willing to credit Garner for getting him into the lineup to play?
It still hurts to think about Clemens' last start, how well he pitched, and how that superb effort was thrown into the trash in the space of about ten pitches from Chad Qualls. Is there ANYTHING that the Astros hitters might do tonight to make it up to him?
Is there anything Chad Qualls can do?
0 recs | 165 comments
Astros *HITTERS*?!??!
No. That one rests solely on the shoulders of one Chadley Qualls and one Bradley Lidge.The offensive (and Roger) did more than enough to insure a win, IMHO.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
It's a Karma Kind of Thing.
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
huh?
I'm medicated and ditzy right now. You're going to have to explain.Damn sinus infection!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
OK
Since you're inclined to be difficult :-)Roger's 2 - 4 with a 2.09. He's pitched so well--especially lately, it's been like a clinic--games like last Sunday's rob him of what's rightfully his: wins.
So one way to even the scales might be to have a game where he maybe gives up a few, ain't on top of his game, but still gets the easy victory
Astros hitters can help that happen, rather than maybe succumbing to the First Time I Seen This Rookie Pitcher Blues.
Chad can do his part by not giving any of that hypothetical lead away through the allowance of long stratospheric home runs.
:-0
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Difficult? Me, difficult?
Nah! NEVER! I simply didn't know whether you meant last Sunday specifically or just in general.;-)
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Lineups...
'Stros:CF, Taveras
2B, Biggio
1B, Berkman
RF, Huff
3B, Ensberg
LF, Scott
SS, Everett
C, Ausmus
P, Clemens
D-Backs:
CF, DaVanon
1B, Jackson
LF, Gonzalez, L.
3B, Tracy
C, Estrada
RF, Green, S.
2B, Hudson
SS, Drew
P, Nippert
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Can I just say that the smarmy...
smirking that D-backs crew (Schulte and Mark Grace) had going on talking about the potential upset was extraordinarily grating.Ugh.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Top of the 1st...
Willy T leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to....
Jackson for the 1st out.Bidge up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a sorda...
infield hit.Another team's announcer's trashing our offensive. Nevermind the injuries to our two best offensive players. And then some. Ugh.
Oooooh, 2900 hits for Bidge.
Lance up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks looking.
Aubrey up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he Kd looking to end the inning.
sigh.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
I Think It Is Absolutely Fair
to note that the Astros are last in the league in offense. Announcers aren't "trashing" us by noting this fact.The injuries we've had are actually rather minor.
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
they've still...
a) affected most of our best players andb) been the type that would effect their offense.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
I just think they're better (like say middle...
of the pack) than they've shown the last several months.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
IOW...
somewhere btwn 3rd and 15th in hitting, lol!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 1st...
DaVanon leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a base-hit...
Jackson up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
DaVanon steals 2nd...
but injures himself in doing so. Byrnes pinch-running for him.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Jackson Ks swinging.
Gonzo up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Huff...
Byrnes advances to 3rd.Tracy up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Luke to end the inning...
I don't know how anyone thought that was anything other than an out. But apparently some did!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
You See Clemens Shaking His Fist
I think he thought DaVanon was out . . . .rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Top of the 2nd...
Mo leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a base-hit...
Luke up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
as is Luke...
Lil E up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he walks,...
and then, uh, granny Ausmus! Bwah!Roger up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks looking...
Willy T up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He walks...
Bidge up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to 3rd...
Willy advances to 2nd.Lance up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds to a thieving Hudson...
to end the inning.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Taveras home run yesterday,
Ausmus grand slam today... are the end times upon us? ;-)John Garrison - August 5, 2006
I'm beginning to wonder, lol!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Has Ausmus ever hit a granny before?
I think I vaguely remember hearing something about one, but it's Ausmus. Home runs just aren't his thing.saylinara - August 5, 2006
I believe
a graphic said that it was his 3rd career grand slam.John Garrison - August 5, 2006
All on The Road
July 14, 1997 at Cubs (Astros win in 15 innings)April 4, 2003 at Cards (Astros win in 12)
August 5, 2006 at D-Backs (we shall see)
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
yeah...
what kind of freak of a catcher has more stolen bases than HRs?Cuz Brad does!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Mo
you were talking about his stance yesterday . . .I think that mos tof us like to see him wide open, but may be less sure about this rocking action that he's into right now.I got a longish book maybe someone could write:
An Illustrated History of Morgan Ensberg's Stances
Like James Brown's haircuts, always changing.
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
LOL!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Oh. My. God.
Where the fuck is that apocalypse now?<dead from shock>
saylinara - August 5, 2006
Truly A Wondrous World We Live In
First Willy T homers, now an Ausmus grand slam.Not a cheapie either.
If it ain't impossible, it's eventually gonna happen. . . .
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Puts Me In Mind of This Game
Last time he had a slam, he had 5 RBIBut it's still early!
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 2nd...
Estrada up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks looking...
Green up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He's on w/ a base-hit...
that falls into shallow-ish left-center right in btwn Willy T, Luke and Adam. Heh!Hudson up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
wow...
another break where a ground-rule double saves a run. At least for now.Drew up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Lil E...
Green scores, Hudson to 3rd.Nippert up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks looking to end the inning.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Top of the 3rd...
Aubrey leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks looking...
Mo up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a base-hit...
Luke up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Luuuuke!
You see that scrawny emaciated kid who ended up with the baseball?rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Scott
1.069 OPS after the moonshot.rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
I'm for facing Nippert every time
we come to Arizona!saylinara - August 5, 2006
Lil Lukie launches his 2nd career HR...
Not a cheapie among the 6 HR so far in this series.Lil E up.
Haha! Sean Berry's referring to Luke as 'the Igniter'!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he reaches on a throwing error...
Apeshit up!;-)My homage to you, Rastro.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks swinging...
Roger up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Drew..
to end the inning.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
How many runs
do we need to give Lidge again?Luuuuuuuke!
astroptimist - August 5, 2006
20-30?
Might be a little low though ;Psaylinara - August 5, 2006
You guys are so mean!;-)
Hopefully there's no need for him, anyway. (knocks on wood)StrosDux - August 5, 2006
There's is no Lidge joke that is too mean
Until he gets his ERA under 5, I reserve the right to be as snarky as I want towards him.saylinara - August 5, 2006
I know...
but can't ya give him a break until he actually comes in the game is all I'm sayin'!;-)StrosDux - August 5, 2006
That's "The Pettitte Rule."
and it's quite valid.rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
isn't Pettitte's ERA under 5 now?
;-)StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Yes at 4.97
and I will say nothing but good things about him tonight and before his start tomorrow.I will note that he has been "better lately" and that he will "look to continue his recent hot streak" and say nothing at all that Mrs. Pettitte couldn't hang with . . . .
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
But If He Gives Up
some first inning runs, watch out!:-)
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Heh!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 3rd...
Byrnes leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Willy T...
Jackson up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Willy T...
on the warning track. Willy T and Luke are cute, all high-fiving and shit.Gonzo up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds back to Roger...
who throws onto a not-so-ready Lance to end the inning. Roger was a bit stunned by how close that came to hitting his mug. Poor bastard!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Top of the 4th..
Willy T. leading off. Always good to be on our 3rd trip through the order at the start of the 4th, lol!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Drew...
Bidge up.Where's his daily obligatory double/HR?;)StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Tracy...
Lance up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks swinging to end the inning.
sighStrosDux - August 5, 2006
I think that was the fastest
Willie/Bidge/Lance offensive half inning ever, that I can recall.astroptimist - August 5, 2006
BTW
That was the first Astro Grand Slam of the year.saylinara - August 5, 2006
I thought so, but I wasn't quite sure...
Gawd knows that we've had the bases loaded enough to where there should've, at the very least, been one before today!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Wow.
Compelled to look further:Last One: Mo 6/28/05 at Colorado off Jennings
Last time it took us so long to get our first: 1998, when Bagwell hit the one and only salami of the year on September 8 vs. Cincinnati and Rick Krivda
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
that wasn't exactly a horrible season...
:-)StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Point Taken
the 1998 club was the second best offensive team in Houston history, scoring 874 runs.But a mere four of them came on a granny. . . .
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
the 98 team was, IMHO...
better than that other team. Jus' sayin'.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Just a Little Bit
although most of the difference can be blamed on Jose Lima, v.2000.rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Well, in terms of last grand slam
it was Berkman's in the "Chris Burke game".But in terms of regular season, wow that's a long time.
saylinara - August 5, 2006
I Do Stand Corrected.
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 4th...
Tracy leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he Ks swinging..
Estrada follows w/ a ground-rule double.Green up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he walks..
Hudson up.DP?
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks swinging...
Drew up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Luke to end the inning.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Top of the 5th...
Aubrey leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He finally has his 2nd HR...
Weee!Mo up.
7-1, 'Stros.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
This Game's Been Fun
We should have more like it.rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Agreed.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He walks...
Luke up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He gets w/ a base-hit...
that knocks Jackson on his ass.Mo goes 1st to 3rd.
Lil E gets on via the fielder's choice, gets caught in a run-down that gets Luke to 3rd.
Runners still on the corners w/ 1 out for CatcherBradley.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He GIDP...
apparently, but I'm not convinced until I see a replay!;-)StrosDux - August 5, 2006
1.084 OPS
and rising!rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Grace
one of the funniest things I've heard an opposition announcer say all year. In reference to Scott's smoking liner that nearly decapitated Jackson"LOFL
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
That was awesome, lol!
I was like OMG! I can't believe he said that!But apparently Gracie gets away w/ shit like that.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 5th...
Gonzalez leading off. Enrique Gonzalez. Yes you read that right. No, I'm not lying. Pinch hitting.He grounds out to Bidge.
Byrnes up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He hits it out...
sigh. Okay, Rog. That's all the runs you're allowed this year. No more runs tonight!;-)Jackson up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Luke...
Gonzo up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Lance to end the inning.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Top of the 6th...
Roger leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Drew...
Willy T up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
ohhh Medders in to pitch...
Whoops!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Ugh...
ground-rule double for Willy. I remember how much I hate the ground-rules in Phoenix. That should've been a triple! Or an inside the parker!Sigh
Bidge up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
I Would Have Enjoyed
seeing Willy hoof it for the triple, and given last night we can assume Mansolino would have sent him.rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Totally...
I think he could've made it, too!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Drew...
I liked the lil Gazelle leap he did at the end there.Willy to 3rd, btw.
Lance up. He drives in Willy for his 95th RBI of the year.
Aubrey follows w/ a base-hit to drive Lance in.
Mo up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Green on the run...
to end the inning.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Are we in the early stages of "The Run?"
Astros look alive tonight. Is this the start of this season's miracle?Mo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
They've looked alive...
for a couple of nights now, really. Only interruption of said aliveness was the rainbow guts, and even then they looked happy and cheerful.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 6th...
Tracy leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he grounds out to Bidge...
for the first out.Estrada up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a little base-hit...
Green up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he GIDP to end the inning.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Rocket around 90 pitches...
Bet they ph for him if his spot comes up.. think the bp can hold a 7 run lead???Mo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
As long as Lidge
and Qualls don't pitch.Personally, I think it's a Borks-Nieve night.
saylinara - August 5, 2006
Oh, Lidge..
is so on my list. :(Mo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
I was right! Weeeee!
Just the wrong order.Yay! Borks sees work! I <3333 this game!
saylinara - August 5, 2006
Top of the 7th...
Luke leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Randy Choate in to pitch...
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds back up the middle...
whacking the pitcher along the way.Lil E up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to 1st...
wow, I thought that was a DP. Interesting choice there, rookie!CatcherBradley up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
CatcherBradley
you mean Studley!Mo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
Indeed!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he grounds out to Drew...
Luke to 3rd.Roger up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
So Rocket will pitch the 7th..
hmmmMo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Drew...
to end the inning.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Ho Hum
another four-hit game for Lukerastronomicals - August 5, 2006
against the D-Backs, no less!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 7th...
Hudson leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a lead-off double...
Drew up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Lance...
and almost plants his ass.Hudson to third.
Quentin drives him (Hudson) in w/ an RBI double.
Byrnes up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Drew
hits a dribbleer straight up the first base line.Berkman takes it unassisted.
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Quentin
pinchhitting for Medders doubles sharply down the third base line. Hudson scores 9 - 3 D-Backs.Still, much rather see Quentin get the hit tonight than last night off Wheeler!
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Byrnes
hits a little popup on a 3- 2 count that Everett spins out to take in short right.rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Jackson
pops to Bidge.Grace has no clue why Qualls would be throwing in the pen.
I'm inclined to agree. Tonight would be a good night for Qualls to take off.
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Quentin
was hitting for Choate, whoopsrastronomicals - August 5, 2006
This can't be good...
:(Mo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
100 Pitch count
nobody outMo Petti and the Heartbreakers - August 5, 2006
Top of the 8th...
Aquino in to pitch for Choate.Willy T leading off.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He's on w/ a base-hit...
Bidge up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He GIDPs.
That sucks.Lance up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He's on w/ a base-hit...
Aubrey up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks swinging to end the inning.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 8th...
Snowman in to pitch.Gonzo leading off.
He pops out to Mo.
Tracy up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Position changes...
Bidge/Lance done. Aubrey moves to 1st and Jason Lane comes in to play RF. Burkie to 2nd.Tracy K swinging.
Estrada up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Aubrey in...
no-man's land who throws on to Fernando to end the inning.booful stuff, Snowman!
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Top of the 9th...
Mo leading off.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Lyon in to pitch for Aquino.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Tracy...
Luke up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He walks...
Lil E up. He flies out to the warning track. Veddy nice.CatcherBradley up.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He Ks on a foul tip to end the inning.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
What A Disappointing Inning
-- Luke Doesn't Get His Fifth Hit, and fails to become the first Astro since 2003 to notch five*-- Ausmus fails to drive Scott in, thus failing to equal or exceed his career high in RBI
-- Everett can't grab a base hit, and now I can't say "evey starter had a hit."
Drag!
___
* Betcha can't guess who . . .
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Bottom of the 9th...
Green leading off.'Ski in to pitch.
StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He flies out to Willy T...
Hudson up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Lil E...
Drew up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
he's on w/ a double...
Easley up.StrosDux - August 5, 2006
He grounds out to Mo...
to end the game. What a yawner. I love games like this, hehe!StrosDux - August 5, 2006
Yay Borkowski!
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
Thank You
Stros Dux for once again impeccable PBP.Thanks John Garrison and saylinara and astroptimist and Mo Petti and thanks especially to all those lurking at home who wish they had been at a sports bar drinking beer and eating potato skins while they checked out the Rocket. . . .
rastronomicals - August 5, 2006
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