GAME 2 - April 1: Close But No Cigar

San Diego 2, Houston 1

Word for the Day: Ironic. Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended.

So things aren't quite what they seemed they would be. The Astros' highly touted offense remained silent for a second night. When at last they put a run on the board, it came on a walk with the bases loaded. Meanwhile, the much maligned pitching was excellent, holding the Padres to just two runs, both scored on a 4th inning homer. Oddly, these Astros looked more like the 2005 team than the new big-bat team that was predicted, as they flailed away to their second loss of the season. (I won't complain if the outcome is more like 2005 that what is predicted.)

But there's always something to like...

The Pitching: Backe pitched 5 nice innings of baseball, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, 3 Ks, and 3 BBs. He was taken out after 5 innings when Coop brought Cruz Jr to pinch hit in a rare scoring opportunity. Villareal and Brocail finished up with 3 scoreless innings in relief.

Bourn Burns: For the second night, Bourn made Ed Wade look like a genius. Hitless, he walked twice - the first time stealing second (#3 for the year), and the second time pushing over the Astros' only run of the game (and the season, so far). He made another spectacular turned-around running catch deep in center field, as well as an outfield assist.

Pence Hits: After a hitless first game, Pence went 2 for 5, including a dribbler to first with 2 outs in the 9th. Many batters would have just accepted what appeared to be an easy out, but Pence went to the Biggio School of Baserunning and ran all out, beating the pitcher to the base.

But the bad news: Two games, two losses, and only one run to show for their trouble. Oh well, as Scarlett said, Tomorrow's another day...