After last night’s bizarre game, the Stros came back this afternoon to beat the Braves in a pitching dual, 2-1. Andy Pettitte was sharp, pitching six innings and strinking out five, giving up three hits, four walks, and one run. The Braves’ Russ Ortiz was just as good, going six and two thirds, striking out nine, and giving up only two hits and two runs. Miceli and Dotel were money again in relief.
Manager Jimy Williams, still irritated from last night’s debacle with the umpiring crew, got in a few choice words with the plate ump this afternoon after Pettitte expressed frustration at the arbitrary nature of the ump’s pitch calls. At least Jimy did not go nuclear and get thrown out again, although he is facing a suspension for bumping the plate ump from last night’s game.
The Stros (20-11) get an off day on Monday to play in Bidg’s charity golf tournament at Wildcat Golf Club, and then the Rocket opens up a six game homestand at the Juice Box on Tuesday against the World Champion Fish (18-13) and the Mets (14-17).