Astros looking to close Brewers’ series on a high note

After opening the series with the Brewers with a 5-0 loss that the Astros just looked outmatched in, Wandy Rodriguez did what he has done numerous times in his career and put this team on his back and pitched a gem to help stop the three game losing streak. Unfortunately, he was not able to get the win as Brandon Lyon blew his second consecutive save opportunity but Jason Bourgeois responded in the bottom of the ninth with a walk off single to get the Astros the win.

Wandy Rodriguez had by far his best outing of the season going 8 innings, giving up no runs and only seven hits while striking out six. The Astros offense didn’t provide much support for him, only scoring one run in the bottom of the first off a throwing error by the Brewers, but nights like last night that is all Wandy needed. Brandon Lyon on the other hand could have used some insurance runs. Prince Fielder once again tried to ruin the Astros’ night, as he has done many times in the past, with a solo shot to right.

The scrappy Astros however did not give up, a trait they showed the second half of last year, as Brett Wallace came in to pinch hit and drew a walk followed by another walk from Michael Bourn. Then it was Jason Bourgeois turn at the plate, as he got a rare start in left field last night, and he did not disappoint, hitting a single that brought Wallace home for the game winning run. Bourgeois was a terror to Brewers pitching all night going 3 for 5 with one run scored in addition to his game winning RBI and added two stolen bases for extra measure.

As for the rest of the Astros hitters they struggled once again as Randy Wolf pitched another strong game. The Astros had only a total of six hits, with Bourgeois having three, Pence, Towles and Angel Sanchez each having one a piece. Carlos Lee and Chris Johnson continue to struggle going a combined 0 for 7 and seeing their averages drop farther and farther away from .200. This was also Clint Barmes second game back from the DL but he is still looking for his first hit as an Astro as he has gone a combined 0 for 7 over the last two games.

The Astros though have to feel very confident coming into their Sunday afternoon game against the Brewers as Bud Norris gets the ball for the Astros. He has been one of their best pitchers over the past few weeks as the Astros have won his last three starts and he has only given up three earned runs over his past 18 innings while striking out 19 batters. The Brewers’ pitcher Chris Naverson is heading in the other direction after starting the season strong, as he has given up 13 earned runs in his last three starts. Hopefully the Astros can make it two in a row against a division rival and leave the series on a high note.