GAME 121 - August 14: Double Sweep!

Houston 7, San Francisco 4

Question of the Day: When was the last time that the Astros won back-to-back 4-game sweeps? (Answer: Never)

You could say that it was just the Giants, just the Reds, two teams that aren't exactly hot this year, but back-to-back 4-game sweeps are still a major accomplishment. For an Astros team that has been swept by the likes of the PIrates, this 8 game streak has got to be a huge high.

The Astros first run came on a second-inning play that was reminiscent of Wednesday's weird-fest: Pence had hit a 1-out ground-rule double, and moved up to third base on Newhan's ground out. With two out, Quintero struck out on 3 pitches. But the third pitch got away from the catcher, allowing Q to safely reach first, as Pence scrambled home for a run. The Giants seemed to be giving away free runs again.

Berkman, looking more and more like his May self, was responsible for much of the fun, offensively. Erstad and Wiggington opened the third inning with back-to-back singles. Tejada's fielders choice erased Erstad at third. Then Berkman hit a big double to deep left center, scoring Wiggy and putting Tejada on third. Blum's sac fly tied it up 3-3.

Moehler didn't have a particularly sharp start. Opening the game with three consecutive singles, he gave up a pair of runs in the first inning. He also allowed solo runs in the third and sixth innings. Total damage: Four runs in 5 1/3 innings, on 8 hits, no walks, and 1 strikeout. He left the game down a run, in line for the loss. But the bullpen was fantastic again: Geary, Byrdak, Wright, Hawkins and Valverde combined for 3 2/3 hitless innings.

With that kind of help from the pitching staff, the Astros just needed to figure out a way to get another couple of runs. They got the tying run in the seventh, again with a little give-away from the Giants. Newhan led off with a single, advancing to second on a passed ball, and then to third on Quintero's groundout. After Loretta lined out for the second out, Erstad's RBI single plated Newhan to tie the game.

In the eighth, Berkman came through again. Tejada led off with a single. Then Berkman knocked one into the Crawford boxes to put Houston ahead 6-4. Blum followed with a double, and scored on Quintero's RBI single. With the score now, 7-4, it was a save situation for Valverde, who didn't mess around to make it more interesting. He only took 6 pitches to eliminate the side, earning his 30th save of the season.

For the Astros it was back-to-back sweeps, for an 8 game winning streak. All this good work is saving up for a rainy day, which may come soon: Arizona's coming to town, and Coope'r' claim that "When you're playing like we're playing, you start to feel a little invincible" is going to be tested by their pitchers.