Johnson: Blazing bat
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When this homestand began, Chris Johnson had no home runs and eight RBIs. In the last three games, Johnson has three homers and 10 RBIs. On Saturday, Johnson smashed a grand slam in the first inning off Jaime Garcia to lead "Los Astros" over "El Birdos", 8-2, for their fifth straight win.
Jed Lowrie later belted a two-run homer to take the club lead, giving the Houston shortstop four more home runs this season than Albert Pujols.
Those were two of only six hits the Astros produced on the night but it was enough to win going away.
A lot of improbable things have happened to the young Astros this week but one of them is not Bud Norris beating the Redbirds. I'm sure the Cardinals can't wait for Houston to switch next year just so they don't have to face Norris so often. In 11 career starts, Bud is 7-2 against St. Louis with a 2.16 ERA. Norris allowed four walks, three hits and one unearned run over six innings.
Justin Maxwell hit a pair of doubles as Jordan Schafer had the night off. Carlos Lee had a double and might have had more were it not for some sparkling defense.
Houston has hit 10 homers this week and outscored their opponents, 31-13, during this homestand. The Astros have a chance to reach the .500 mark and pull within two games of the division lead if they can sweep St. Louis on Sunday afternoon. J.A. Happ (2-1) will take the mound against Adam Wainwright (1-3) in the 1:05 Central matinee.
Pass the salsa.
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