GAME 90 - July 7: A Really Dumb Game

Pittsburgh 10, Houston 7

Quote of the Day: " My mind was set to throw nine innings today." (Runelvys Hernandez)

This was a really stupid game. Sure, call it a slugfest - there were a lot of runs. But really, what did you expect, with Runelvys on the mound for life - or so it seemed - the day after the Astros wore out their bullpen in an unofficial double header? What could Cooper do when his starter gave up 6 in the first 2 innings, but the only fresh pitcher he had available in relief was Chad Paronto, called up for this game from Round Rock? So Runelvys pitched as long as he could, giving up 10 runs in 4 innings.

Actually, Paronto acquitted himself very well, giving up only 1 hit and no runs over the next 4 innings. I hadn't seen him since Spring Training - he's a really big guy who pitched for the Braves the last couple of seasons. His good relief pitching held the damage at 10, but it wasn't enough. The Astros could not make up the deficit and lost.

Oh did I mention that the Astros scored 7 runs? There was plenty of run support, if you didn't happen to give up 10 in the first 4 innings. Lee hit a 3-run homer in the first to give the Astros a short-lived lead; Runelvys gave up those and more in the bottom of the inning. Then the Astros batted around in the fourth for another 4, taking the lead momentarily. Runelvys gave back 4 to match in the bottom of the inning. At that point, apparently, Coop decided he'd seen enough.

And, oh, did I mention that the Astros were playing the Pirates? Hey, this is a contest for the last place spot. Get serious.

Bad game. Sixth loss in the last seven games. Takes the fun out of watching baseball.

In Other News: Oswalt has been scheduled to pitch - Friday in Washington. I was hoping he'd be pitching on Sunday, when I'd be there! Meanwhile, two other NL Central teams have beefed up their rotations. Milwaukee won the Sabathia contest, and the Cubs countered by signing Rich Harden from the A's in a 6-player deal. Heading into the trade deadline, what will the Astros be: Buyers or sellers?