The Stros’ string of good luck ended on Wednesday evening as they not only lost to the Fish 5-2, but also may have lost Wade Miller. Miller battled gamely through five and two thirds innings (4 hits, 3 walks, 3 runs, 5 K’s), then left with soreness in the same area of his neck where he had a pinched nerve during the 2002 season that put him on the shelf for two months. He will be MRI’ed today.
Dontrelle Willis pitched a rare Juice Box complete game for the Marlins, as this game really came down to a key play in the bottom of the sixth. With two out, the Stros had closed to 3-2 and had runners at second and third. Ensberg blistered a ground ball up the middle that looked like it would plate the two runs and give the ‘Stros the lead, but Willis gloved it with a “look what I found” expression and threw Ensberg out. That was all she wrote as Willis proceeded to put the ‘Stros down in order in the last three innings to secure his fourth win.
The rubber game of the series tonight looks like a mismatch as the ‘Stros inconsistent Tim Redding goes up against the Marlins’ sturdy Carl Pavano. The Mets come in to the Juice Box on Friday for a weekend series.
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.
I was at the game tonight. The key play in the 6th inning was Cabrera’s catch, IMO, though Dontrelle made a great play.
Gotta love the Marlins (at least, I do).
Mike Lowell is really locked in at the plate right now. He’s definitely the best 3B in the NL right now; Rolen has as much talent but has not been as consistent over the last 2 seasons.
Cabrera’s catch was great, but not as good as the one he made the night before on Berkman’s line drive. That one was simply incredible.
The Fish remind me of the 1960’s and early 70’s Cardinals and Dodgers. Strong pitching, excellent defense, speed on the basepaths, but mediocre hitting. My sense is that they will be fine unless two of their top starters go down for any length of time with an injury. It is interesting to me to see a club built such as the current Marlins do well in this era of homers and small ballparks.