Quintero: Critical tag at plate.
(c) Associated Press
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Stumbling from an eight-game losing streak, the Astros came thisclose to sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays after winning a 3-2 nailbiter on Sunday. Had it not been for the ninth-inning meltdown Saturday, the Astros could have flown back to Houston on a tailwind of renewed confidence.
The bats are still rather sickly, producing just five hits on Saturday and six on Sunday but homers by Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee were enough for a victory behind the pitching of Brandon Backe and a quartet of relievers. El Caballo is making a late push for an All-Star spot, powering his 17th homer of the year.
With the win, Houston climbed back out of the division cellar and within 8-1/2 games of wild-card leading St. Louis. After their horrific month, it is hard to feel upbeat about the Astros but, at 35-41, a winning spurt can bring them right back into the hunt.
After a day off Monday, the Astros resume their Silver Boot Series with the Texas Rangers, trailing 2-1 for the season's rivalry. Brian Moehler (3-3) will battle Eric Hurley (0-0) in a 7:05 Central start.
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