Astros get shut out in first game back from break

The second half of the 2011 season started off like the first, with an Astros’ loss. This time it was to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 4-0 shutout loss as the Astros offense didn’t help starting pitcher Brett Myers tonight.

Myers, although he did give up four runs, had one of his better outings of the season. He went 6.0 innings, giving up three earned runs and three walks but striking out 11. He now sports a record of 3-10, which is two more losses than he had all of last season. Sergio Escalona gave up the last run of the night in the eighth off an error by Jeff Keppinger. David Carpenter came in for Escalona and pitched one scoreless inning, continuing his streak of not giving up a run in his major league career.

The Astros were able to muster five hits but went 0-3 with runners in scoring position. The Astros got hits from Michael Bourn, Jeff Keppinger, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee and pinch hitter Chris Johnson. Along with shuffling the pitching rotation, Brad Mills shuffled the batting lineup by moving Hunter Pence to clean up and having Lee bat fifth.  Unfortunately, tonight it did not work but I hope Mills uses this lineup at least a few more games to see if it will work.

The Astros are back tomorrow with another game against the Pirates with Bud Norris taking the mound against Paul Maholm.