Back Where We Belong - Under .500

GAME 3: Yankees 4, Astros 2
GAME 4: Angels 11, Astros 1
GAME 5: Angels 5, Astros 1

After the initial euphoria of the first two wins against the Yankees, reality set in with losses in the next 3 games, putting the Astros under .500 -- where, alas, they probably belong. I make no pretense about expecting the Astros to make the playoffs this year, but having a .500 record is something to shoot for. Actually, after the last few years, having a .400 record might be a more realistic goal to stretch for!

The very high quality of the starting pitching from the first two games went downhill a bit after that, with Oberholzer, Harrell, and Keuchel earning losses. All I can say about Harrell's start Friday night (ERA 15.00) against the Angels is this: If the Astros are going to lose games 11-1, better that they do it on Shabbat when I'm not watching! I seem to remember Harrell having some big losses last year, and hope that he can get in shape soon. If not, there are some good arms down on the farm...

With our new spark plug of a leadoff hitter,  Dexter Fowler, out with a tummy bug for the past couple of games, the Astros offense has been somewhat lethargic. Altuve has continued to hit, and to run, with 3 steals in the first 5 games. But overall it's been pretty lackluster in the scoring department. Hope that Fowler's out of the hospital and back in uni soon!

With the Sabbath now ending late on Saturday night, I missed one notable thing at last night's game: the official retirement of longtime Astros, Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt. (I watched it afterwards on the Astros website.) They both signed one-day contracts with the Astros, just for the retirement ceremony, MC'ed by Milo Hamilton. "Holy Toledo, what a night! what a night!"  I was happy to see that the gifts to these two wealthy retirees were appropriate for the occasion, not expensive cars or rocket ships. (See my last post.) The two were presented with framed 2005 World Series jerseys, Stetson hats, and (appropriate for old guys) rocking chairs. Of course, Oswalt previously got a nice tractor from Uncle Drayton!

Hopefully Fowler and the rest of the team will be back in form for today's series ender with the Angels, and they can avoid the sweep and get back to .500!