The Stros wasted a solid pitching performance from Carlos Hernandez as their fragile bullpen again allowed the Expos to trounce the Stros late, 8-3 in Montreal on Saturday night.
Hernandez’s performance was promising, as he yielded three runs on seven hits in six innings. His velocity is not what it was before his injury (a torn labrum), but he battled gamely and put the Stros in a position to win the game. Reliever Chad Qualls screwed the pooch, giving up 5 runs in the seventh, including a grand salami to Nick Johnson. Beyond Lidge, the Stros bullpen is falling into oblivion.
Oh, and let’s not overlook the Stros’ offense. Four hits, three runs. Bags had a two run yak and a double, but the impotency of the Stros’ offense has to be discouraging for the pitching staff members, who know they have no margin for error.
Pete Munro attempts to salvage a game in this series before the Stros take off to Cincy for a series with the reeling Reds. It will be nice to see the Stros play a club that is playing as badly as they are.