Cy Wandy Continues Dominance
Final Score: Houston 6, Milwaukee 4 Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Miguel Tejada went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs batted in, and two runs scored as the Houston Astros snapped the Milwaukee Brewers’ seven-game winning streak with a 6-4 victory in the middle installment of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. Hunter Pence went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored for the Astros, who have alternated wins and losses in their last five games. Lance Berkman and Wandy Rodriguez each had an RBI.  Wandy Looking Like An Ace Rodriguez (5-2) was solid in seven innings of work, allowing one run on six hits with five strikeouts to collect the win. Chris Sampson collected his second save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Mike Cameron went 2-for-4 with a home run for the Brewers, who suffered their first loss since May 10 versus the Cubs. Pinch-hitter Mat Gamel stroked a two- run double. Corey Hart had the other RBI. Yovani Gallardo (4-2) lasted five-plus frames, allowing six runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and two walks to take the loss for Milwaukee, which won 4-2 in the opener on Tuesday. The Astros plated a run in the first to take the early lead, but not before a lineup error caused some controversy. Kaz Matsui was slated to bat first according to the official batting order submitted by Houston before the game. But Michael Bourn came out as the first batter and stroked a single. The hit was taken away when Brewers manager Ken Macha showed the umpires the mistake. Matsui, who was in the on-deck circle, was called out before he batted. Bourn batted again and walked before Berkman drove him in with a double to center. Tejada led off the second with a home run to center to extend Houston’s margin to 2-0. The Astros used a two-out rally to plate a pair of runs in the third to build a four-run gap. Berkman walked and Carlos Lee singled to put runners on first and second. Pence then cleared the bases with a triple to center. Cameron led off the fourth with a solo home run to left, cutting the deficit to 4-1. Rodriguez hadn’t allowed a home run in his 88 1/3 previous innings. It was the first home run he allowed since August 10, 2008 — a span of 15 starts. Rodriguez’s homer-less streak is good for second in club history. Juan Agosto went 91 2/3 innings without giving up one in 1989-90. Tejada’s RBI double and Rodriguez’ RBI single in the sixth put the Astros ahead 6-1.  Bill Hall Looked Lost at the Plate Milwaukee tried to come back in the ninth, but a five-run deficit was too much to overcome. With Alberto Arias on the hill, Cameron singled, J.J. Hardy singled, and Casey McGehee walked to load the bases. Sampson relieved Arias and gave up a two-run double to Gamel. Hart then plated Jason Kendall when he grounded out. Bill Hall went down swinging to end the game. Game Notes Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks underwent surgery on his left wrist Wednesday. The infielder, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, had the Extensor carpi ulnaris tendon sheath repaired by Dr. Don Sheridan in Phoenix. Weeks will wear a splint for two weeks followed by a long cast for the next six weeks. Recovery time is estimated at four to six months…Astros relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins missed the tilt with a sore right hip. |
