Myers: Another solid start
(c) Associated Press
|
After scoring 18 runs the previous two days at Wrigley Field, the Astros had trouble on Wednesday getting one. But, fear not. Houston rallied for their 11th straight Hump Day victory, 4-3, in 12 innings.
Pedro Feliz, pinch-hitting for Brett Myers who posted another quality start, homered off Ted Lilly in the eighth for a 1-1 tie that a shaky bullpen held until the 12th when both bullies suffered.
With rookies Chris Johnson and Jason Castro aboard, Jason Michaels spanked a pinch-hit double off Jeff Stevens that plated them both. Angel Sanchez then added an RBI single which didn't seem too important at the time. It was Sanchez' third hit of the day and raised his batting average since he was traded to Houston up to .312.
But Gustavo Chacin, closing for Brendan Lyon, gave up a two-run blast to Giovanni Soto to make Sanchez' hit relevant then put two other Cubs aboard before Tyler Colvin's liner to right was snared by Hunter Pence for the final out. It was Chacin's first major league save.
Myers and Lilly showed why their names have both been discussed in trade rumors. Myers allowed five hits and walked two over seven innings and struck out eight, dropping his ERA to 3.24. Lilly gave up seven hits and walked one over 7-1/3rd innings.
The Astros take a break on Thursday before taking on the Cincinnati Reds in Houston for a weekend series. Friday's 7:05 Central start will feature Bud Norris (2-7) taking the hill against rookie Travis Wood (0-1), who flirted with a no-hitter in Philadelphia earlier this month.
Trade discussions are also heating up with a rumored deal involving Roy Oswalt and Philadelphia possibly coming soon.
|