Lindstrom (l): Takes the L
(c) Associated Press
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Both the Astros and the Mets have closer problems. New York's Francisco Rodriguez landed on the DL after a thumb injury was discovered from his altercation with a girlfriend's father at Citi Field last week. His season is likely done and, perhaps, so is his career as a Met. For Houston, Matt Lindstrom has lost his mojo and it cost the Astros in Monday night's 3-1 loss.
Another solid start by Wandy Rodriguez was squandered as he took his thrid straight no-decision. Other than a line drive solo homer by Carlos Beltran into the Crawfords in the fourth, Wandy scattered three hits and three walks over seven innings. New York's Jonathon Niese matched him with seven innings of one-run ball, allowing seven hits but no walks. Chris Johnson's double in the sixth plated Jason Michaels for the only Houston tally.
After Brandon Lyon worked a scoreless eighth and the Astros failed to score in a bases-loaded situation, Lindstrom came in and the game got away. After a harmless ground out, two singles, a wild pitch, and a triple high off the left field wall led to the deciding runs. While his velocity is fine, Lindstrom's mechanics are not since he began suffering back trouble a couple of weeks ago. Brett Wallace and Jason Castro teamed for a nifty double play to get out of the innings.
In K-Rod's absence, Hisanori Takahashi came in to get his first big league save with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Second baseman Jeff Keppinger left late in the game and early reports are a sprained knee that could land him on the DL. Geoff Blum filled in for the final inning.
The series continues Tuesday night at 7:05 Central with Nelson Figueroa (3-1)- a late scratch on Friday - pitching against Johan Santana (10-6). Santana is coming off a shutout of the Rockies.
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