Scott Feldman looked OK this game. Not great, but OK.
Brian Moehler did NOT look anywhere near OK.
And Nelson Cruz? Well, he seems to have found it again.
Scotty F was pretty good again – looking like a solid starter again after some shaky appearances in the bullpen. 6.2 innings pitched, three earned runs on five hits. Two of the hits were home runs, and accounted for all three of the Astros’ runs. The first one was somewhat controversial, as they had to go to a replay for Tejada’s first inning home run. They appeared to get the call right to me, but I was hoping it would be reversed just the same. :) Darren O’Day, Eddie Guardado, & CJ Wilson combined for 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. Only one hit between them (Wilson). CJ got the save as Francisco was just off the DL, and I believe I recall hearing that it was to not give Frankie two straight nighs after just coming back from the DL.
Brian Moehler was NOT that good. He gave up three home runs. Two of them to Nelson Cruz, who raked this game. Nelson was 2-4, but the two were both home runs. One was a titanic shot in the fourth. Was one of those ones in Houston where if the ball gets too high, you couldn’t see it on TV. Even in Hi-Def, I couldn’t see where that ball went. Disadvantage of Houston’s park – balls are too easily lost in the windows. Two innings later, Nelson Jacked a solo home run off of the walls in left center for a home run. Right after that – the next pitch in fact, Hank Blalock also homered. He went back to back with Cruz – something nice to see. At that point, we were up 6-1. Feeling good.
Cruz’ power was nice to see back, as he was missing that for awhile. Hopefully it sticks around into the next series at home with the Yankees.
Michael Young & Ian Kinsler both sat for different reasons. Kinsler was just given his first day off of the season, and Michael Young was still hobbling a little.
Nice defensive over the head catch by Omar. Also enjoyed his throwing of the cap to the ground as he went to make the play.