The Stros rode strong pitching from the Rocket, Brandon Backe, Roy O. and Brad Lidge over the weekend in sweeping the Reds, 3-2, 4-3, and 5-2.
The Stros finish their first home stand of the season at 4-1, although the five runs that they scored in the Sunday win over the Reds was the most that the club has scored in any of its first five games of the season. At least Bags hit a couple of yaks over the weekend, along with taters from Bidg, Ensberg, and Lane. Rookie Chris Burke drew his first start of the season in the Sunday game (in left field) and acquitted himself well with three hits.
The Stros now go on the road for a week with an odd Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday series in New York against the 1-5 Mets, who just won their first game of the season on Sunday. Ex-Stro Beltran has not yet warmed up (.273 Avg./.304 OBP/.455 SLG.), so let’s hope he stays in the doldrums for awhile longer. After the Mets series, the Stros visit Cincinnati for another series next weekend against the Reds (3-3), and then return for a quick four game homestand on Monday April 18th with two games each against the Braves (4-2) and the Brewers (3-2) before heading back out on the road against the Cardinals (2-3) and then the Pirates (2-4).
Houston's Clear Thinkers
Longtime Houston attorney Tom Kirkendall's observations on developments in law, business, medicine, culture, sports, and other matters of general interest to the Houston business, professional, and academic communities.
The ‘stros did well! The only complaint I have is that we seem to strand a lot of runners on base. Overall, I’m impressed with our ability to stay in a game and not get rattled when the opposing team gets a lead. We will see how the season progresses.
Go ‘stros!