Thank you, loyal fans!
(c) Associated Press
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Well, the Astros didn't give up as many points as the Texans did on Sunday but they did give up more than the Denver Broncos and two touchdowns less than the Colorado Rockies in a 19-3 beatdown that was worse than the final score might indicate. Two meaningless runs in the bottom of the ninth, long after there was any reason to stay, made it look like the Astros were able to tack on a field goal to save face.
Lucas Harrell made the start in place of Bud Norris and gave up the first five runs. Then the floodgates opened. Aneury Rodriguez allowed four, Lance Pendleton was torched for five and Xavier Cedeno surrendered five more before Juan Abreu tossed a scoreless ninth.
Kevin Kouzmanoff slugged two homers for the Rockies and drove in five. Chris Iannetta also homered and drove in five. Kevin Millwood, Colorado's winning pitcher, also went deep as the Rockies took out their frustrations after a long losing streak was snapped in extra innings the night before.
It was Fan Depreciation Day as those attending received shirts honoring the Astros' 50-year National League history while seeing a preview of coming attractions under a Jim Crane ownership in the American League. At least there was plenty of room at the ballpark to stretch out and the concession lines were short.
It looks like the Cardinals will be coming to town with something to play for so be prepared to see some intensity out of one squad during the final series of the year. Lefthander Jaime Garcia (13-7) will pitch for the Redbirds in the Monday 7:05 Central opener against Wandy Rodriguez (11-11).
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