Lance Berkman cranked two yaks and a double and knocked in four RBI’s as the red hot Stros crushed the reeling Reds on Monday night in Cincy, 11-3. The Stros have now won four straight and 12 out of their last 16 games as they continue their push to get back in the National League Wild Card playoff race. The Stros trail the Cubs by 4.5 games for the Wild Card playoff berth.
Berkman’s hitting was contagious on Monday night as light-hitting Brad Ausmus even pounded a three run tater. The Stros continued hammering the ball, ringing up 11 hits, including 3 homers and 4 doubles. Pete Munro got the win by giving up 3 runs on 8 hits in five innings and led the Stros AAA relief corps, which included long lost Russ Springer, who reappeared as a Stro this week seven years after his initial tenure with the club.
Brandon Backe hopes the Stros hitters keep their hitting clothes on Tuesday night as he takes the hill for the Stros in the second game of the series on Tuesday. Based on Backe’s most recent performance in Chicago, the Stros will likely need every run they can generate.