Astros win Spring Opener

The Astros started the spring right with a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals today in Kissimmee. Sure it’s only Spring Training, but it’s still a win. After last season we’ll take what we can get. Getting the first win out of the way before St. Patrick’s Day is a big plus.

Starting pitcher Livan Hernandez pitched two scoreless innings and Kyle Weiland followed with two of his own to claim the victory. Newly anointed closer Brett Myers was the only Astros hurler to allow a run. Myers was victimized by back-to-back doubles delivered by Roger Bernadina and Jesus Flores. Fernando Abad, Brandon Lyon, and Wesley Wright followed Myers to the hill and each managed to pitch a scoreless inning. Wilton Lopez recorded the save with a perfect seven pitch ninth that featured two strikeouts.
The offense didn’t do much and is still reason for concern. Houston managed only five hits on the day. Jed Lowrie had a nice debut with a triple and a walk. Chris Johnson provided most of the damage with a two-run homer off Ross Detwiler. Johnson got the start at 3B today and will move across the diamond tomorrow, trading places with first-baseman Brett Wallace. Johnson has an early leg up on the starting job as Jimmy Paredes is still recovering from a wrist injury. Paredes has been cleared to begin baseball activities and could see game action soon.
J.A. Happ gets the start tomorrow while Brian Bogusevic, J.D. Martinez, and Chris Snyder are also slated to see their first action of the spring.