Johnson, Keppinger: Fivin'
(c) Associated Press
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It's always a good sign when your pitcher gets a turn at bat before he has to take the mound. Wandy Rodriguez experienced that Monday night when the Astros put up five runs on seven hits and two walks in the opening frame on their way to an 11-5 laugher over the Cubs.
Rookies Chris Johnson and Jason Castro both homered and drove in six runs between them. They had lots of help as everyone in the Houston lineup, including Rodriguez, had a hit by the third inning while six players had multi-hit games, including Wandy who helped his own cause with a single and double.
Shortstop Angel Sanchez, batting second as Brad Mills once again juggled the lineup, responded with three hits. Michael Bourn and Carlos Lee both came out of slumps with a pair of hits.
After the first three outs, the only question for Astros fans was whether they'd see "Good Wandy" or "Bad Wandy" on the mound. What they got was "Adequate Wandy" who allowed five runs in six innings, while Astro-killer Aramis Ramirez went deep and drove in three.
Wilton Lopez, Tim Byrdak and Gary Majewski (in his Houston debut) finished up with an inning each of shutout relief.
Wesley Wright (0-0) will make his first start as an Astro Tuesday night when he faces Ryan Dempster (8-7) in a 7:05 Central contest. Meanwhile, another day passes without a trade.
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