After losing four straight to the Expos, the Stros rallied for three runs in the ninth to salvage the final game of the weekend series in Montreal, 5-4.
With the victory, the Stros ended a four-game losing streak and won for just the second time in their last eight games. Reflecting their futility this season, the Stros had been 0-51 before today’s game when trailing after eight innings.
The Expos led 4-2 in the ninth when Jeff Kent and Michael Lamb hit consecutive one-out singles to chase Expos starter Livan Hernandez, who up to that point had allowed only Carlos Beltran‘s two-run yak in the first. Jason Lane then hit a run-scoring single off Expos reliever Ayala and Viz tied the score with a groundout to shortstop. Pinch-hitter Orlando Palmeiro then singled in the go-ahead run. Brad Lidge pitched the ninth for his 13th save in 15 chances.
The Stros get a golf day on Monday in Philly before opening a three game set against the Phils on Tuesday (sorry about the error in the previous Stros’ posts–I had deluded myself into thinking the Stros got to play the equally woeful Reds next). The Stros return home on Friday for a big three game homestand against the Cubbies.