For the second straight night, the Stros hammered a pitcher who had dominated them a week earlier and improved their road record to 12-4 as they beat the Marlins at Pro Player Stadium, 10-2.
Tim Redding continued his improved pitching of late by stifling the Fish on three hits and two runs over six and two thirds innings. The Stros got to the Marlins’ Carl Pavano for nine hits and five runs over seven innings, and Lance Berkman again led the Stros’ hitting attack with his seventh dinger and a couple of RBI’s. Also, Morgan Ensberg‘s two hit and three RBI performance continued to make it difficult for manager Jimy Williams to rationalize platooning him, as is his instinct.
The Stros go for the series sweep in the Thursday night by sending Roy O to the hill, but it won’t be easy. Spring’s Josh Beckett will likely be at his best as he attempts to beat his hometown team. Tune in for at least a part of this one and enjoy watching two of the best young pitchers in Major League Baseball. The Stros go to Cincy for a series with the Reds over the weekend, and then return to the Juice Box next Tuesday for consecutive series against the Cubs and the Cards.