Wandy helps Astros get shutout win over Rangers

The Astros season would be a lot better if last night game was more the norm than the exception as they won the series finale with the Texas Rangers 7-0. It seems every start Wandy has he looks more like the staff’s ace as he threw 7.0 innings, giving up four hits and striking out four. He shut down a pretty powerful Ranger’s offense and gave the Astros a serious boost helping the team get their fourth shutout of the season.

The Astros scored four of their seven runs in the fifth inning thanks to some big hits from Hunter Pence, Jason Michaels, and Chris Johnson. Michaels was the big bat last night going 2-4 with 2 runs scored, a 2-run home run, and 3 RBI. The Astros had timely hitting last night as three of their runs came with two outs.

Either way, the Astros only needed one run as Wandy and the rest of the pitching staff was dialed in. Last night was a big night for David Carpenter, who made his major league debut, pitching a 1-2-3 inning and collecting a strikeout along the way. Carpenter came over last year in the Pedro Feliz trade with the Cardinals and got the call up after pitching 19 scoreless innings at Oklahoma City. I think he has some serious potential and as bad as the bullpen has been a combination of Wilton Lopez, Mark Melancon and Carpenter should allow fans to gain some confidence back in the bullpen.

It was a good win last night, something Astros’ fans haven’t been able to say much this season. Hopefully the team can build on it as they welcome one of the top teams in MLB, the Boston Red Sox, to town for a three game set this weekend