Mike Hampton Hits Opposite Field Home Run Off Johan Santana To Secure Astros Win

It wasn't Johan's day. He got all KINDS of hits from his batters, but he lost anyway, giving up 12 hits, the most he has given up in one game this year. He could have given up a LOT more runs, but the Astros left men on in every inning except the second and 6th. I was surprised that he didn't throw very many changeups and perhaps that is why he struck out only 3 batters, 2 leftys and Pudge. OK Now, all yall know that I have complained very frequently about Coop's stupid moves (and there are many) so today, I would like to compliment him on two - not substituting Jason Worthless Michaels in center (because Michael made 2 difficult plays that Michaels wouldn't have touched) and pulling Hampton with 2 out in the 6th after he walked the pitcher. And another - he didn't insist on the leftyrighty nonsense and pull Keppinger with a righty reliever up and insert Matt Worthless Kata. Hampton wasn't exactly GOOD - gave up 8 hits, 1 solo homer to the Crawford Boxes, 4 walks, 7 Ks, 2 GIDP and 4 ER. He got lucky and caught Johan on one of his bad days, really. Gotta give props to Pence, who is still in a terrible hitting funk - the boy NEEDS to watch video of his ABs in April and May - for fielding a single to right, then firing home to nail Frenchy by 10' and end the inning and preserve the 1 run lead. Arias was shaky - most likely unnerved by the HP ump's erratic strike zone, but he certainly owes Pence a steak dinner. Hawkins was shaky, too, although a couple of plays weren't his fault. Santos hit a grounder to Keppinger, who bobbled it, causing him to have a late throw (should have been an error) and yet another infield "single" to second because Matsui couldn't get the ball out of his glove. But he got Pagan to FO to center - and that was a GREAT running catch by Bourn that no freaking way Michaels makes, and a FO to left, and it was great to see Carlos hustling over to catch that. The sellout crowd appreciated that, too. Yeah, sellout crowd, and I don't think it is just because of Mets fans - there certainly weren't more Mets fans today than Cards fans earlier this week, which means that the Astros fans are indeed starting to come out and watch this crazy team. And tonight, it's Jonathan Niese, 23 year old lefty drafted by the Mets in the 7th round of 05. He started 3 games last year - had a 7 something ERA over 14 IP, and started 2 games earlier in May - gave up 2 ER/6 IP vs the Pirates and 5 ER/4.2 IP vs the Braves. This year at AAA, he has thrown 16 games over 94 IP - 3.84 ERA/1.28 WHIP; 2.5 BB/9; 7.5 K/9; 0.7 HR/9. Russ Ortiz will be pitching for us. He gave up only 2 runs vs the Dodgers last outing, but gave up 8 vs the Giants just the week before, so we'll have to see. Finally, I must say, I'm glad that Erstad is on the DL, or we wouldn't have benefitted from Chris Coste as we have - he drove in the winning runs tonight. smile You didn't think I was gonna forget THAT, did you? I just saved the best for last.