Blum, Bourn: Power bats.
(c) Associated Press
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For one day, at least, the Astros didn't miss Carlos Lee. Houston didn't just survive without the injured slugger on Sunday, they thrived. Beginning with a five-run fifth and ending with a five-run eighth, the Astros drummed Cincinnati, 13-4, to complete a four-game sweep. It's the second Houston sweep in their past three series.
Michael Bourn spanked a three-run homer in the opening frame and added an RBI single in the eighth. Lance Berkman hit a solo shot to end his six-week homer drought and Geoff Blum followed with a back-to-back bomb. Reds pitcher Aaron Harang was pummeled for eight runs in just four innings.
Wandy Rodriguez, on the other hand, was perfect for the first 14 batters before surrending a pair of solo homers. He picked up his seventh win then sat while a trio of relievers finished out.
The Astros fly back to Houston to begin a four-game series Monday night against the San Francisco Giants, from whom they took three of four back in May when the bats were on fire. Jonathan Sanchez (8-8) will start for the Giants in a 7:05 Central start. The Astros will counter with Brandon Backe (6-11) who got a quick hook in Chicago in his last start.
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