Bourgeois: Breaks scoreless tie
(c) Associated Press
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Perhaps Brett Myers isn't being offered in trade by the Astros because he's their new ace. He certainly pitched like one Tuesday as he fanned 12 in a complete game four-hitter to quiet the Cubs, 6-1. Myers was in a tight pitcher's duel with Ted Lilly for the second time in two weeks but finally got the run support he needed in a six-run seventh against reliever Andrew Cashner that started with small ball and ended with a long ball.
Humberto Quintero started the rally the hard way, taking a 97-mph fastball off his left shoulder. Jason Bourgeois ran for him and stole second then moved to third on Myers' sacrifice bunt. Michael Bourn was intentionally walked.
In a similar situation in Pittsburgh earlier in the month, Angel Sanchez laid down a perfect squeeze bunt and he stunned the Cubs with the same precision. Cashner made a desperation flip of the ball to home plate but Bourgeois slid past the tag for the game's first run.
Hunter Pence singled to right and Bourn sped home with the second run. Carlos Lee walked and Jeff Keppinger was hit by a pitch to fill the bases before Berkman measured up a 2-0 offering and drilled a majestic grand slam to center field that blew the game open.
Myers gave up a solo shot to Tyler Colvin to start the ninth then allowed a single to Starlin Castro before he bore down and struck out the 3-4-5 hitters in the Cubs lineup to end the game.
The series finale takes place Wednesday in a 1:05 Central matinee. The WINS-day streak of 11 straight will be tested when Bud Norris (2-7) pitches for Houston against Randy Wells (5-7). Norris has not won a game since May 13th and the Astros have won only one of his last seven starts.
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