Bummer that the 23-game homer streak ended tonight (especially since it seems Michael’s double would likely have been a homer in just about every other ball park and, if he hadn’t stumbled a bit, he MIGHT have had a chance for an inside-the-parker). But, I’m sure they’ll take the win, the series win and the winning streak (now at 5) over the homer streak history 🙂
ON THE MOUND
Interesting progression in this game for Kuma – started with SIX up and SIX down.
In each of the next TWO innings, he worked with TWO guys ON but, escaped withOUT damage.
Then in the 5th: single, double, sac-fly double gave the Astros their only TWO runs of the game.
He gave up another double over his next/last TWO innings but retire the last FIVE batters he faced. . .
SEVEN innings ~ SEVEN hits ~ TWO earned runs ~ TWO walks ~ SEVEN strikeouts
} Charlie retired the side in order in the 8th
} Tom gave up a walk (NOT the lead off guy) but, got the requisite outs to earn his 21st save and preserver Kuma’s NINTH victory
AT THE PLATE
~ An odd duck to be sure, when walks out-number hits and strikeouts out-number runs, hits and walks combined yet the end result is a win!
~The M’s scored their first TWO runs, to tie the game, in the 5th inning without the benefit of a hit: walk, walk, passed ball, sac-fly (Nick), passed ball
~ The M’s scored their second TWO runs, to take the lead they would not relinquish, with only ONE hit: walk, walk, 2-run double (Michael)
~ Kendrys broke up Bedard’s perfecto with a lead-off walk in the 5th
~ Brad, Justin, Mike and Michael each walked and scored once
IN THE FIELD
Nick with a web gem in the 4th possibly saving a run (since the next hit was a double) . . .
Michael S with a great catch to save Tom from a lead-off double . . .
tweets of the game . . .
M*A*S*H
* Michael Morse didn’t travel with the team to Houston, he’ll be evaluated to begin a rehab stint when the team returns home on Monday
* Guti is playing mostly RF as he continues his rehab with the Rainiers
* Danny Hultzen will be shut down for another seven days
Compass Rosy 