Michaels: 4 hits, 5 RBIs in two nights
(c) Associated Press
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Jason Michaels drove in three runs and Roy Oswalt worked seven innings in a 4-2 victory over Kansas City Wednesday night that ended a four-game losing streak. Oswalt posted his 142nd career win, two shy of Joe Niekro's franchise record.
Jeff Keppinger doubled in the first off Bruce Chen and scored on Carlos Lee's two-out single to left. It didn't take long for the Royals to match that. Old nemesis Scott Podsednik led off with a triple and tied the game on a sacrifice fly. The Royals gained a 2-1 advantage when David DeJesus, who had a four-hit night, drove in Podsednik in the third.
The Astros responded in the fourth when they loaded the bases, thanks in part to Mitch Maier's dropped fly in center. Michaels stroked a two-run single to left. A line drive double play killed any further rally.
Oswalt settled down and kept the Royals quiet for four frames, striking out seven on the night while allowing six hits. He got an insurance run in the sixth when Michaels doubled to score Lance Berkman.
Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom were both assisted by double plays to close out the contest. Lindstrom claimed his 15th save and appeared to be over his aches from earlier in the road trip.
Now 4-5 on this odyssey, the Astros wrap up their journey Thursday night in a 7:10 Central start (weather permitting). Brett Myers (4-4) will square off against Luke Hochevar (5-4} before the team returns to Houston to resume their Lone Star Series with the Texas Rangers.
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