Game 2

Lucas Harrell was fantastic in this game.  He attacked the strike zone with the confidence of a veteran.  The stadium gun had his fastball at a consistant 92.  He struck out 4, allowed only 3 hits through 7, and, perhaps most importantly, walked no one.

Schafer and Martinez came through with a home run each, while Chris Johnson added a pair of doubles.  Mix that with some timely hitting from Snyder and some Rockies errors and you get a 7-3 Astros win.

The Turning Point:

Let's look deeper at the fourth inning.

In the top half, the Rockies got Carlos Gonzalez to third with one out after a double and a wild pitch.  After giving the appearance of staying back, the infield rushes in.  Troy Tulowitzki ground the ball to Marwin Gonzalez and Gonzalez in out at the plate.  A gutsy call from the coaching staff pays off.  Shortly after this, Tulo is thrown out trying to steal, and the top half ends.

The Astros come up in the bottom half.  Brian Bixler, who got the start over Altuve for some reason, reaches on an error and scores on a J.D. Martinez home run. 

Astros Player of the Game:

It would be incredibly irresponsible not to go with Lucas Harrell in this game.  What a performance by the young man.  Only 4 Rockies reached base in 7 innings and one of those was by fielder's choice.  I hope this is a sign of things to come.

What are you thinking Brad?

Rhiner Cruz entered the game with 2 out in the ninth, which seemed to baffle those around me.  In this case, I see what Mills was doing.  He was bringing in a young pitcher with electric stuff and very little ability to control said staff during a low pressure situation.  So, I will give him pass on that one.

Other Notes:

Chris Johnson stole a base, which might happen one more time this season.

While J.D. Martinez drove in 3 runs, he also grounded into 2 double plays.

I am blown away that a 49 year old with a 79 mph fastball is pitching in the bigs.  Jamie Moyer is a classy individual who loves the game, and I wish him luch this season.

Marwin Gonzalez is an adequate shortstop in the field.  He gets to the balls that you would expect him to and shows a decent arm.  On another note, Troy Tulowitzki is a great shortstop.

Brandon Lyon gave up a home run, but that isn't what concerns me.  Even his outs were hit hard.