Padres outlast Astros 8-7 in 10 innings

Some days you just have to shake your head and shrug your shoulders, last night was one of those nights. The Astros best pitcher, Wandy Rodriguez, struggled early with the worst offense in baseball and the team would fall in 10 innings 8-7. Wandy would regroup and close out his start strong and with the lead, giving up 5 runs through 6 2/3 innings. The Astros offense continued to come back strong and showed good power but the bullpen would let another lead slip away. Tough loss to one of the worst teams in baseball especially considering the Stros had come off taking 2 out of 3 from Cleveland.

The offense was not to blame, even without Jose Altuve, they put up a 7 spot only to see it not hold up. Carlos Lee finally got another HR, which is a welcomed sight. As did Jason Castro, both players had been absent from that category for some time. For that matter, Brian Bixler also went deep  along with collecting another hit. Overall a nice night for Bixler filling in for Jose Altuve who should be back shortly. Another welcomed sight was J.D. Martinez collecting two hits and Chris Johnson staying hot with a pair of his own.

As strong as the offense performed, the staff was not as impressive. Wandy had a rough start and the bullpen could not hold down the worst offense in baseball. Credit Wandy for re-grouping and closing out his start strong, retiring the last ten batters he faced, but overall a tough outing for the veteran lefty. Fernando Rodriguez continued to struggle, giving up a two run homer in the 8th. Martinez’ ERA is 6.28, not sure how much longer he can stay at the big league level. Brandon Lyon would ultimately give up the losing run in the tenth inning and cap a tough night for the home town nine.

The Astros return to action tonight against the Padres trying to strike revenge while going against Kip Wells who is returning to big league ball after some time off.