Team meeting sparks Astros’ win over Pirates

The Astros ended a five game losing streak and won for only the second time in the last twelve games in Pittsburgh thanks to a big sixth inning. They scored five runs in the sixth thanks to RBI from Hunter Pence, Angel Sanchez, Carlos Lee, Jeff Keppinger, and Clint Barmes en route to a 8-2 win.

The team’s strong performance could of been the result of a 75 minute team meeting before tonight’s game, something that was most likely long overdue. Hunter Pence was once again the big bat tonight extending his hit streak to 11 games with a 3 for 5 performance with two runs scored, and two RBI as well as a stolen base. Jeff Keppinger added two RBI on two hits and Clint Barmes had one RBI on two hits.

Carlos Lee continues his hot hitting going 2 for 4 with one RBI and raising his batting average to .270. He also had his fourth triple of the season, tying his career high. The Astros got at least one hit from all of their starters tonight.

Bud Norris continued his strong 2011 season, giving up only two runs over 7.0 innings of work but only striking out three. This was a good game for Norris, who along with the bullpen blew a 5-1 lead against the Red Sox in his last start. Norris was followed by Wilton Lopez, who struck out the side in the eighth, and David Carpenter, who has yet to give up an earned run in his major league career.

I know it is early and is only one win but maybe, just maybe this team meeting could spark the strong second half finish Astros’ fans have become accustomed to. One can dream, right?