Smoak 'em if you got 'em
(c) Associated Press
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Wandy Rodriguez gave up six runs in the third inning as the Texas Rangers coasted to a 9-3 decision Friday night in the first installment of this year's Lone Star Series.
The small segment of Astros fandom that follows the draft cringed two years ago when Houston took catcher Jason Castro instead of first baseman Justin Smoak and they got more evidence to buttress their argument on Friday when Smoak had a two-run double to break open the game then drilled a two-run homer off Wesley Wright to lead the Rangers attack.
Not that he's lighting up the American League, batting just .211 in his rookie season but Castro is still in AAA. The Astros may have the last laugh eventually and Smoak may come to Houston if the Astros deal Lance Berkman to Texas so this may be seen as a preview of coming attractions.
Houston avoided a shutout with a three-run rally against starter Scott Feldman in the seventh but it was another example of "too little, too late" that has been a trademark of the Astros lately.
Speaking of coming attractions, the two teams resume action on Saturday when Brian Moehler (0-3) faces Colby Lewis (6-4) in a 6:05 Central contest.
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