The Expos scored six runs on six hits against a trio of the Stros’ middle relievers as they embarrassed the home town club, 8-3 on Saturday night at the Juice Box.
Andy Pettitte went five innings and threw 57 pitches, gave up two runs on two hits, and left the game with a 3-2 lead. But Weathers (bad), Harville (awful), and Gallo (bad again) stunk up the place and, by the top of the eighth, the Expos had an 8-3 lead. Given the Stros’ feeble hitting, that’s tantamount to an insurmountable lead.
The Stros trotted out their typical popgun attack, flaring ten hits but producing only 13 total bases in the process. At least Phil Garner had the good sense finally to play Mike Lamb, who proceeded to produce a couple of the Stros’ runs. Garner apparently knew what was coming on this evening and elected to take an early shower while arguing a dubious second inning out call on Vizcaino, who appeared simply to avoid the Expos pitcher on a close play at first, but was tagged out after the ump contended that he had evinced an intent to go to second. It’s been that kind of season for the Stros.
The Rocket strides to the hill in the Sunday matinee as the Stros attempt to avoid the ignominy of losing a series to the lowly Expos. The Stros then leave for their last long roadie of the season to play the Mets, Expos, and Phillies before returning to the Juice Box on August 20 to play the Cubbies.