The Stros and the Phillies picked up this afternoon where they left off last night as the Stros came back from a 7-2 deficit with a seven run seventh inning to sweep the Phils and win their fourth straight, 12-10.
Oddly, the Stros’ big rally actually began with the Stros in the field as they pulled off an Ensberg to JK to Lamb triple play (the Stros first since 1991) with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the fifth. Then, Bidg started the seventh inning heroics with a two run shot that was quickly followed by Lance Berkman‘s massive two run yak to staight away center. Then, as the Phillies relievers proved that they are one of the worst groups in the league, light-hitting Eric Bruntlett uncorked a three run tater to left to complete the explosion. The Stros tacked on a couple more on JK‘s double in the ninth to complete their scoring.
Carlos Hernandez was roughed up in his second start since being recalled from AAA, which is to be expected as he continues to regain arm strength from last season’s labrum surgery. After Bullinger fiddled around with allowing the Phils to close to within 12-10, Miceli came in to get the final out in the eighth and then Lidge closed this one out with a spotless ninth.
The Stros come home to meet the Cubs in a weekender with Pete Munro leading the way on Friday, with newly-recalled Brandon Backe probably going on Saturday and Roy O pitching the Sunday matinee. The Phils come to Houston for a little payback in a three game series that begins on Monday.