The listless Stros’ hitters and Miceli blew another fine performance from the Rocket as the Pads scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth to win Monday’s first game of the clubs’ three game series, 2-1.
Clemens was magnificent as usual, giving up only a run on three hits with four walks over seven innings. Miceli couldn’t match that brilliance in the eighth, as he gave up the game winning hit to Klesko (who is having an Ensberg-like bad year) and giving Astro-killer Trevor Hoffman the opportunity to close out the win in the ninth.
Meanwhile, the Stros’ hitters made Brian Lawrence look like the Rocket as they could manage only five hits, including Bidg‘s leadoff yak. Of course, Stros’ manager Jimy Williams inexplicably continues to bench Mike Lamb, Jason Lane, and Chris Burke while playing such futile hitters as Viz and Bags, whose slugging percentage has dropped to an embarrassing .442, fifth points below Biggio’s. Not an auspicious beginning for their first game in the Pads’ new Petco Field.
The Stros are now eight games behind the Cards in the NL Central as a division title has become a pipe dream. Absent an unforseen turnaround on the remainder of this West Coast swing, the Stros may not even be in contention for the wild card playoff spot by the All-Star break.
The Stros send Pete Munro to the hill on Tuesday night against the eminently hittable Ismael Valdez. At least the Stros can enjoy the wonderful weather while whiffing in the San Diego moonlight.