The Stros looked like a team that needed to catch a flight as they could muster just two singles against four Mets pitchers and lost on Thursday afternoon at Shea Stadium, 2-1.
Andy Pettitte looked uncomfortable as he struggled with his control, giving up four hits and four walks in 5 2-3rd’s innings against a Mets’ lineup that has been eviscerated by injuries. The Stros were pathetic offensively, as Berkman singled in the only one and Manager Garner inexplicably benched two of his club’s only five above average hitters — Bags and Bidg.
I realize Garner is trying to shake the Stros up and get something started, but sometimes he appears to be trying too hard. This club struggles to hit generally and to hit with power particularly. Thus, there is simply no good reason not to be playing his five above-average hitters — Berkman, Beltran, Bidg, Bags and Lamb — almost every game. Beyond those five, it doesn’t make much difference who hits for the Stros. Except for Kent, who represents exactly an average National League hitter this season, the rest of the Stros are either below average or well below average. Playing more of those guys than is necessary simply increases the risk of loss.
The Rocket gives the folks in Montreal one last opportunity to see one of the best pitchers of the past generation on Friday. Let’s hope the Stros do some hitting rather than simply watching, too.