Astros beat the Reds in extras

The Baseball Gods finally decided to let the ball bounce in the Astros favor as they beat the Reds 4-3 in 10 innings tonight. With the bases loaded in the tenth thanks to a successful hit and run by Angel Sanchez and an intentional walk to Brian Bogusevic, Jose Altuve came up to the plate with a chance to be the hero tonight.

After falling down 0-2, Altuve hit a screamer back up the middle that would of been a sure hit, if it wasn’t for the infield playing in and Brandon Phillips making a great diving play. He then had a great throw from his knees to home for the sure out on Humberto Quintero running home. However, Ryan Hanigan couldn’t control the ball and the Astros won the game.

The Astros started the game with four rookies in the starting lineup, second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Jimmy Paredes, center fielder Luis Durango, and right fielder J.D. Martinez.  They combined to hit 2 for 15 but did score two of the four runs, and between Altuve and Paredes, knocked in three of the four runs.

Humberto Quintero had another strong game going 2 for 4 with an RBI and scoring the game winning run. He is now hitting .263 on the season and has hit .308 over the past week. Bud Norris had a decent game but the bullpen was the big story, stepping up for five scoreless innings. Mark Melancon ended up with the win after going 2.0 innings, giving up only one hit which was the only hit the relievers gave up tonight.

This was only the third win the Astros had in their last 11 games but this was their first home game since July 20th. Hopefully the home cooking will generate some more wins in this series. Jordan Lyles will take the mound tomorrow in search of his first major league win.