Rodriguez Pitches Gem, Stro’s Avoid Sweep

The Houston Astros played for respect today, as they sought to avoid the second sweep of the season by the Cincinnati Reds. And it certainly helped that their starter threw 7 innings of one hit no run Baseball. The Astros, who picked the lead in the 2nd when Hunter Pence (15) went deep to lead off the second, rode their starter until he reached over 110 pitches. Relief by Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom closed the game, and forced Cincinnati into a league leading 12th shutout lost.

Though Rodriguez made the Reds look silly, the game was still close up until the 7th. After Jeff Keppinger grounded out to start off the bottom half; Chris Johnson hit his 3rd home run of the year, a solo shot that gave his team a multiple run lead. Jason Castro and Jason Michaels both got on and the Astros had men on second and third with 1 out. Mike Leake was then taken out for stellar all star Arthur Rhodes. Rhodes faced fellow all star Michael Bourn. Bourn was able to go opposite field and line it down the left field line to bring in both runners, the game was all but over after that.

Mike Leake once again suffers from no run support, as he could no be easily 11-1 if his offense could post any help, or if his relief would hold his leads. Instead, he is 7-2.

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The Astros now welcome the Cubs, who are coming off a series win against the Division contender Cardinals. They send out Wesley Wright, who has if anything a respectable 4.40 ERA. Though he will have to face Carlos Silva, who is 9-4 on the season.

The Reds continue their road trip, and head north to Milwaukee. They send out their number 1 Bronson Arroyo, who has been streaky this season. His 10-5 record best proves that he could easily be a top rotation guy, who will likely get 15-18 wins this year. Though during some of his starts, he has been hit hard. He has a 4.26 ERA and is facing Randy Wolf, who has a record of 7-9.

The lost gives leeway to the Cardinals, who had a three game losing streak going into Sunday evening.

By Parker Perry
ProBaseball-fans.com Cincinnati Reds Correspondent

As always, you can email me at Parker.Perry17@gmail.com for comments or concerns…..Always a Reds Fan

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