Astros blow another lead, lose it in the later innings

It seems like the 2011 Houston Astros didn’t learn that Major League Baseball games are nine innings. They were able to build a lead and ended up losing it in the later innings. Tonight the hometown team had a 4-0 lead heading into the top of the seventh and ended up giving up 6 runs in the last three innings. Bud Norris was on his way to another great start before he ran into some trouble with the long ball and gave up two home runs over his last 1.1 innings pitched. He finished the day with 7.1 innings pitched, 4 runs scored, and 8 strikeouts.

John Fulchino relieved Bud Norris and didn’t fare much better as he quickly gave up a two run home run to David Wright that gave the Mets a 5-4 lead. Wilton Lopez pitched the ninth and didn’t give up a home run but did give up an RBI double to Jason Pridie.

The Astros were able to build a 4-0 lead thanks to RBI hits from Carlos Lee, Chris Johnson, and Bill Hall. The Mets even helped the Astros get a run across with an error by first baseman Daniel Murphy in the sixth, but that was the last Astro they were able to get across home plate. Hunter Pence was able to get on base with a walk but finished the day 0-4 and ended his 15 game hitting streak.

The top of the order tonight with Bourn, Barmes and Pence went a combined 2 for 13. Clint Barmes saw his average drop to .175 after tonight’s game and I wonder how many more games Barmes will get before Mills switches back to Angel Sanchez as starting shortstop who’s average is over 100 points higher.

It will be interesting to see how the Astros bounce back from this game, as they have now lost five out of their last six. Tomorrow J.A. Happ will get the ball to help get things back on track as he takes on knuckleballer R.A. Dickey for an afternoon game.

Brandon Croce is the Lead Writer for Climbing Tal’s Hill. Click here to follow him on Twitter and click here to follow CTH.