3-Run 9th Inning Secures Win Against Rockies

The Astros flew to Denver to take on the Rockies in the 2nd part of the “4-game series”, and the result was a good one. The Astros defeated the Rockies 6-3, and take the series lead 2-1.

Erik Bedard got the start for the Astros and for the 4th straight outing he did not disappoint. Bedard allowed seven hits, two runs, three walks, and struck out three in his six innings. Bedard’s main trouble tonight was Troy Tulowitzki. After striking him out in the first inning, Bedard allowed a solo home-run to Tulowitzki in the fourth inning. Tulowitzki came back the next at-bat and hit an RBI double to give the Rockies a 2-1 lead. Besides Tulowtizki, Bedard had another encouraging start, and the left-hander has now given up just 9 earned runs in his last 22 innings.

The Astros first two runs came from a pair of sacrifice flies. Matt Dominguez brought in J.D. Martinez in the second inning. Jason Castro tied the game up at two apiece in the sixth inning with his sacrifice fly.

With the score tied at two in the eighth inning, Martinez had a big RBI single to give the Astros the lead with six outs to go. After getting the first two outs of the inning, Porter elected to bring in Travis Blackley instead of keeping Paul Clemens in the game to face Todd Helton. Blackley would walk the next two batters before being replaced by Hector Ambriz who cleaned up the inning.

In the ninth inning the Astros brought home three insurance runs thanks in part to a solo-shot by Carlos Pena. After a few singles, Marwin Gonzalez squeezed home Trevor Crowe who reached on a bunt single earlier that inning. Brandon Barnes followed the squeeze with an RBI single of his own to give the Astros a 6-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th.

The four run cushion was good enough for Jose Veras this time out. Veras came in and allowed a Troy Tulowitzki solo home run. That was the only hit Veras allowed, as he continues to struggle.

The Astros will go for the series win in tomorrow’s 7:40 PM CT start. Lucas Harrell takes the mound against Juan Nicasio.