I'm sorry that I cannot give you a full report on this afternoon's game between the Astros and the Marlins. I lost the feed from MLB Audio in the bottom of the sixth (presumably, others depending on the Internet did also), and the feed has not returned. Too bad. Headed into the bottom of the ninth as I write, the Astros hold a 3-0 lead, based on a three-run uprising in the sixth inning that put a damper on a fine outing from Josh Beckett. And the game has now gone final.

Andy Pettitte also had a fine day, going five innings and striking out six men. Kirk Saarloos relieved him in the sixth and gave us all bad vibes by surrendering a leadoff double, but he retired the next three men after that--unquestionably, the three most important outs he's had--or probably will have--all spring.

Beyond these bare facts I cannot go, except to say that Houston scored its runs on a Hidalgo double, an Ensberg infield single, and yet another big hit by Phil Hiatt, a double. That made the score 2-0, but Raul Chavez helped to add the final run with a nicely-executed squeeze bunt.

For a variety of reasons, today hasn't been the best of days for yours truly. I am hopeful that tomorrow will be better and that I can give you a full column. Thanks for your understanding.