Game 58 Recap-
The Houston Astros got a great start from LH Wandy Rodriquez(2-1,2.38) and rbis from 2 big bats to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0 at PNC Park Tuesday night. LH Phil Dumatrait continued his strong season(2-3, 3.47) but got no support. The waiver wire claim pitched 6 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs with 3 walks and 4 strike outs.
Red hot MVP candidate & Astro 1b Lance Berkman doubled home 2b Kaz Matsui(on base all night, 4 for 4) to make it 1-0. The Pirates could muster only 5 hits and one of extra base variety(SS Jack Wilson’s 1st inning double) vs the Houston pitchers. SS Miguel Tejada doubled in the 2nd run in the 6th, again scoring Matsui.
After Dumatrait tired, LH John Grabow(1.53 era, 1 IP) and RH Tyler Yates(4.05 era, 2 IP tonight) finished the game and kept the Pirates within striking range. The Houston pen got the game to elite closer Jose Valverde in the ninth and he delivered his 16th save for a Astros win.
Star of the Game-
Rodriquez…. 6 IP, 5 hits, 1 walk and 3 strike outs on 91 pitches
Pirates Notes-
Wilson had 2 of the Pittsburgh 5 hits….. C Ryan Doumit(broken left thumb,.350,5 hrs,15 rbi) started his rehab assignment at Double A Altoona Tuesday, if all goes well, he could be back as early as Friday… C Raul Chavex threw out 2 runners and has now caught 3 of 5 on the season
Next Game-
Wednesday,7:05 PNC Park
Pirates LH Zach Duke(2-4,4.41) vs Astron RH Roy Oswalt(4-5,5.45)
