The Astros clubbed the Mets 8-1 today at Minute Maid Park to complete a sweep of the three-game series. Houston hitters played longball early and often for the second straight game, much to the dismay of Mets pitchers. This time Chris Johnson provided all of the fireworks, slamming a three-run homer and a two-run homer in his first two plate appearances. My man CJ was 4 for 4 with six RBIs on the day.
Jed Lowrie continues to swing a hot bat as well. Lowrie went 3 for 4 and scored three runs in the blowout. Lowrie has 11 hits in his last 21 at-bats, bringing his average well above .300 for the season. Wandy Rodriguez was at the top of his game and took advantage of the early lead. Wandy won for the third straight time with seven innings of one-run baseball.
The Mets showed their true colors in this one, going down in order in the ninth inning against the much maligned Fernando Abad. The 8-1 lead provided the perfect opportunity for Brad Mills to get his struggling lefty some work.
Jordan Schafer was forced to leave the game in the fifth inning when his lower back tightened up again. Schafer was able to extend his on-base streak with a pair of walks prior to his exit. After the game, Mills said Schafer should be ready to go on Friday after tomorrow’s off day. Last night it was reported that Schafer had a strained oblique. Mills said that was not the case.
The first place St. Louis Cardinals are next on the schedule for the Astros. Lance Berkman is on the disabled list with a calf injury and hasn’t played since April 18. The Big Puma says he is currently at about 85% and has been doing some light jogging. Berkman probably won’t be activated until after the weekend series. Astros fans hope that is indeed the case, considering the way he performed against the Astros last season.