What Happened Was…

April 27, 2009

Roy Oswalt pitched well, as usual in Great American Ball Park, but earned a CCND* after scattering 6 hits over 7.0 innings and allowing a single run in the Astros’ 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. 

Lance Berkman also continued his excellence in the Reds’ new park, going 1-for-3 with a walk and a home run. 

In fact, the only starter who didn’t make it on-base was Ivan Rodriguez, who did make J.R. Towles‘ heart go pitter-patter when he fell to the ground after getting hit on the back of the leg by Brandon Phillips’ bat.

Even Jason Smith reached base, though he did it rather easily, as a pinch runner.

* CCND: Cecil Cooper No Decision, or what a pitcher earns when manager Cecil Cooper inexplicably pulls them in favor of an already-extended bullpen after throwing just 98 pitches.

Here in Los Angeles, on Fox-11, we are treated every night to the whitest man in America dancing on the evening news.  I have no reason to post this other than the sheer entertainment/schadenfreude value:

Round Rock Express (AAA) – Two good things happened in the 5-4 Express victory over the Memphis Redbirds (STL): First, Brandon Backe pitched 5.0 IP, allowing a single run on 2 hits and 2 walks in his first rehab start.   Second, Clay Hensley earned his first win of the year, though he did it after blowing a save by allowing one run on two hits in his sole inning of work.  Brian Bogusevic was 2-for-4 on the night with a home run and a triple, and C Lou Santangelo was 3-for-4.  As has been documented elsewhere, Chris Johnson is back on the disabled list for the hand injury he sustained over three weeks ago when he was hit in the hand by a pitch.

Corpus Christi Hooks (AA) – The Midland Rockhounds (OAK) own the Corpus Christi Hooks.  Dating back to June 2008, they have taken 15 of the 17 meetings between the two clubs, and today was no different as they won 7-5.  OF Andrew Locke was 2-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI, but there were few other highlights for the Hooks.  The Rockhounds pitchers combined for eleven strikeouts (three of them against 1B Mark Ori) and just two walks (3B Felix Molina and SS Drew Meyer deserve mention for being able to accomplish this apparently-rare feat).  Hooks pitcher Paul Estrada managed to walk three batters – more than the entire Midland staff allowed – in a single inning of work.

Lancaster Jethawks (A+) – Christopher Hicks allowed 4 runs on 12 hits in 6.1 IP, but was able to get the win in today’s 8-4 win over the San Jose Giants (SFG).  Chia-Jen Lo earned the save, striking out 4 and walking 2 in 2.2 scoreless innings.  Several Jethawks showed up at the plate today, including leadoff hitter OF Jack Shuck, who went 3-for-3 with a double and 2 walks.  Jason Castro was 2-for-5 with a home run. 

The Lexington Legends had the day off before beginning a four-game homestand against the Rome Braves (ATL).

Written by ecamirg Posted in Dailies