Lee gets props from Glenn Davis.
(c) Houston Astros
|
The Astros had scrapped their way to a 3-2 lead Saturday in their retro rainbow unis. Unfortunately, they didn't have Dave Smith to close it out. And, after three straight appearances, apparently they didn't have Jose Valverde either.
So it was Doug Brocail who was brought out in the bottom of the ninth in Tampa to face the, uh, St. Pete Pelicans. Turns out these were the young Rays having a masquarade party and, when it came to crunch time, they showed why they are contenders this year in the American League. Two singles and a hit batter preceeded Gabe Gross' walk-off two-run double that gave the PelicRays a 4-3 comeback. Brocail couldn't even get an out, spoiling a fine relief performance by Geoff Geary.
Wandy Rodriguez came within an out of a quality start, allowing just two runs. However Houston fell to the bottom of the NL Central as Cincinnati won to claim fifth place in the division.
The finale of the road trip comes Sunday in a 12:40 Central start. Brandon Backe (4-8) tries to win the series against Tampa's Scott Kazmir (6-2).
|