Astros score three runs in the 9th to win series opener

Maybe Hunter Pence read my article earlier today about if he is tradeable or not because he made himself indispensable tonight with a game winning single in the bottom of the 9th. Pence’s hit capped a three run ninth that gave the Astros a 4-3 come from behind win to open the series with the LA Dodgers. Even though it was Pence who got the last hit, Michael Bourn may have had the bigger hit tonight as he hit a double that brought Angel Sanchez and Bill Hall home to tie the game up.

The team wouldn’t of been in position to win, if it wasn’t for another strong game from the pitching staff who have pitched well three of the last four games. Tonight it was Bud Norris’ turn as he went 7.0 innings, giving up three runs (two of which were earned) while striking out five. This was a big game for Norris as he was coming off a bad start against the Cards when he gave up five earned runs in five innings. The bullpen picked up the rest of the work as Sergio Escalona and John Fulchino combine for two innings of scoreless ball.

This was a big win for the Astros as the Dodgers sent out Clayton Kershaw and they did enough to stay within striking distance once they were able to get to the bullpen.  Kershaw pitched well for the Dodgers as he went six innings, only giving up one run and striking out seven. The Dodgers were able to get their runs from a solo shot by Matt Kemp in the second, as well as an RBI single by Andre Either that was followed up by a throwing error by Michael Bourn that brought home another Dodgers’ run.

Outside of Pence and Bourn, Bill Hall was the big bat for the Astros tonight as he was a perfect 4 for 4 with two runs scored. He got all four hits on only eight pitches faced. The Astros have now won three out of their last four and will look to keep the good fortunes rolling as JA Happ takes on Chad Billingsley for an 8:05 PM (ET) start.