Game 89 Recap-
In a game that featured crazy weather and 4 homers(2 by each team), the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied for 3 in the 8th to beat the Houston Astros,4-3. The game started late and was stopped in the 6th for another 30 minutes, strange, strange game. 7 runs, 6 produced by home runs- Astros RF Hunter Pence(solo in 4th) & LF Carlos Lee(2 run shot in the 5th) producing the Houston runs. Pirates All Star CF Nate McLouth homered in the 5th and suddenly resurgent 1b Adam Laroche(.444 in July, solo shot in the 8th) made it 3-2. McLouth singled in 2 runs for a 4-3 lead in the 8th.
Teams had to scramble for pitchers with the rain delays and stoppages. Stros used 6 pitchers and Pirates 5. Good move by Manager John Russell was smart to keep RH Ian Snell out after the weather problems, with his arm injury issues. LH John Grabow(5-2,3.35) was great over 2 in the 7th & 8th while new closer Damaso Marte(3.38) overcame a 9th inning walk to get his 3rd save.
Star of the Game-
McLouth- 3 rbi and could not be a more deserving team rep at the All Star game! Went to camp battling for a starting spot, worked hard and is considered a team leader.
Pirates Notes-
Laroche lead the team with 3 hits…Team is believed to have taken SS Jack Wilson out of trade discussions, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. They would like to keep him and have turned down trade offers
Next Game
Series finale vs Houston at PNC Park
Pirates RH John Van Benschoten(1-2,10.64) vs Houston RH Brian Moehler(4-4,4.13)
