Cardinals @ Astros

[Castor27]

Pitching Matchups:

9-27 -- Woody Williams (11-7, 3.86) vs. Roy Oswalt (18-10, 3.59) 7:05 on

9-28 -- Danny haren (3-2, 4.36) vs. Brandon Backe (3-3, 4.48) 7:05 on

9-29 -- Jeff Suppan (16-8, 4.03) vs. Roger Clemens (18-4, 2.89) 7:05 on

[wrath_of_khan]

Looking at that Game 2 pitching matchup:

Some 24 year old pitcher that I've never heard of ...

With an ERA approaching 5.00 ...

We're toast.

:D

(Yet somehow we'll drop 7 runs on Williams on Suppan.)

[Nick]

Originally posted by wrath_of_khan
Looking at that Game 2 pitching matchup:

Some 24 year old pitcher that I've never heard of ...

With an ERA approaching 5.00 ...

We're toast.

:D

(Yet somehow we'll drop 7 runs on Williams on Suppan.)

We're not toast, cause we actually have faced Danny Haren on numerous occasions... and we've beat him before.

These are the Cardinal's three worst starters. We're not seeing Morris, Carpenter or Marquis.

We, on the other hand, we have our best (and perhaps only) two starters going. (and, the best 3rd option available right now in Backe).

There are no excuses... I legitimately want to see a WWW!

[wrath_of_khan]

Originally posted by Nick
We're not toast, cause we actually have faced Danny Haren on numerous occasions... and we've beat him before.


Thanks for making me feel better, but I didn't mean it literally. Thus the smiley. It was just a joke about the perceived pattern of the Stros bats going silent against no-name guys.

(Key word: "perceived" because one tends to remember the games where we went silent and not the ones where we roughed up the no-names.)

[xiki]

These guys still have a chance? Amazing.

Keep rolling, make the Cubbies and Giants win to beat you!

[Gummi Clutch]

F A T Chance
Still a disapointing season.
Breaking your heart once is never enough.

The Astros are like the fine looking girl in High School who enjoys teasing you and making you think you got a shot, all the while she's just toying with you.

[Nick]

Originally posted by wrath_of_khan
Thanks for making me feel better, but I didn't mean it literally. Thus the smiley. It was just a joke about the perceived pattern of the Stros bats going silent against no-name guys.

(Key word: "perceived" because one tends to remember the games where we went silent and not the ones where we roughed up the no-names.)

Yea... I figured you were kidding. That was primarily for the rest of the people who thought we were facing a "no-name".

Of course, we'd faced Wes "freaking" Obermuller before, and we seem to be the only team he ever beats every year.

Honestly... if it weren't for that guy, we'd had made the playoffs last year, and probably would be tied for it this year.

[JPM0016]

They have no other choice. They must go undefeated the rest of the way

WWW

[Groogrux]

I really wish people would take their negativity elsewhere.

WWW with a share of the wild card lead come Friday.

[killtaker]

*sigh* it's hard for me to believe we're going to do this (especially against the Cards):

WWW

but we have no choice.

I just hope Cox plays to win vs. Cubs and not rest'em. The Cubs have to lose 3.

[DaDakota]

WWW

PLEASE !!

DD

[rrj_gamz]

We need to win them all, but two of three would be nice...We got such a tough last week, but you never know...Still holding out hope...

Go Stros!!!

[wrath_of_khan]

Originally posted by Nick
Yea... I figured you were kidding. That was primarily for the rest of the people who thought we were facing a "no-name".


But, I didn't know we had faced Haren before. So that really did make me feel better!

I'm now ready to predict: WWW

Look, we're up against the Cubs for the wild card spot. We've got their bad karma working for us!

[RocketManJosh]

OK ... We have Oswalt, Backe, then Clemens in this series

We then have a day off.

After that I honestly believe we need to go Oswalt, Backe, and Clemens again. They would each be pitching on 3 days rest which is to be expected of pitchers in do or die games at the end of the season.

We just can't afford to throw Hernandez or Munro out there again.

The question this brings up though is who would we have throw the tie-breaker game if it got to that point.

[across110thstreet]

Astros must best the best (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20040926&content_id=872335&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp)
St. Louis (103-52) at Houston (86-70); 7:05 p.m. CT
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com

The Houston Astros beat the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday to move within 1 1/2 games of the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card race. With six games remaining in the regular season, the Astros need to win at least two of their next three games and they will have to do it against the best team in baseball -- the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Astros took two of three in St. Louis Sept. 14-16. The Cardinals have had the division title and the best record in baseball locked up for nearly a week, and the Astros could catch a break if manager Tony La Russa decides to rest some of his starters in preparation for the playoffs.

"St. Louis is not going to have the urgency that we're going to have, obviously," manager Phil Garner sad. "They probably won't go to the bullpen in situations that he normally would. He might be setting up his rotation. If that is the case, he might not let one or two of his starters go like he normally would go. He probably would go to the bullpen sooner in that case."

The Astros have lost five of six to the Cardinals at Minute Maid Park this year, but the team hardly resembles the one that was swept in a three-game series in Houston in April.

Now, the Astros have an acute sense of urgency to play well against the NL Central champions with less than a week of games remaining.

"The Cardinals and Astros are playing for different reasons," Jeff Kent said. "The Cardinals are trying to get themselves ready for the playoffs. We're playing for our lives -- to get into the playoffs. The atmosphere will be a little different in each dugout. We were able to play well against them at their home, in their park, so hopefully we'll be able to do that at our place."

Pitching matchup
HOU: RHP Roy Oswalt
# 18-10, 3.59 ERA in 2004
# 1-0, 2.08 ERA in 2004 vs. STL
# 3-2, 3.31 ERA lifetime vs. STL

STL: RHP Woody Williams
# 11-7, 3.86 ERA in 2004
# 1-0, 5.25 ERA in 2004 vs. HOU
# 9-3, 3.39 ERA lifetime vs. HOU

Players to watch
Against Oswalt, Marlon Anderson is 1-for-3, Roger Cedeno is 1-for-4, Jim Edmonds is 7-for-24, Ray Lankford is 1-for-6, John Mabry is 1-for-2, Mike Matheny is 1-for-13, Cody McKay is 1-for-2, Albert Pujols is 10-for-30, Edgar Renteria is 6-for-22, Scott Rolen is 4-for-20, Reggie Sanders is 0-for-6, Larry Walker is 2-for-9 and Tony Womack is 1-for-6.

Against Williams, Brad Ausmus is 7-for-32, Jeff Bagwell is 15-for-44, Carlos Beltran is 0-for-8, Lance Berkman is 7-for-33, Craig Biggio is 13-for-46, Morgan Ensberg is 3-for-13, Jeff Kent is 11-for-33, Mike Lamb is 2-for-5, Orlando Palmeiro is 3-for-6 and Jose Vizcaino is 3-for-14.

Quotable
"We can only worry about ourselves. We can't do anything about anybody else. We watch with great interest, but there's absolutely nothing we can do about that. We take care of our business here, and we'll see what happens." -- Garner on his team's mindset in the final week of the season

[MadMax]

www!!!!! :)

[NewRoxFan]

I would say they have an outside chance if they go 5-1 the rest of the way in... and thinking they have a chance even if they lose one vs the Cards (which is a lot more believable than sweeping the Cards). Just need a lot of help...

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Look at this way, all the cubs have to do is lose to put us in. We don't even have to win any games. It's like taking candy from a baby.

Shoot, if back in May someone told me the Cubs controlled our destiny with 6 games to go I'd say "Hell ya!"

[Lil Francis]

WLW

[PhiSlammaJamma]

sweep! This such a walk in park, I think we'll have time to pick on some squirrels and yell at some skaters too.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Gummi Clutch
[B]The Astros are like the fine looking girl in High School who enjoys teasing you and making you think you got a shot, all the while she's just toying with you.
Sucks to be you, I ****ed her.

Win out or go home.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
Sucks to be you, I ****ed her.

Win out or go home.

man, i'm so glad you're back!!! :D

[RocketManJosh]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
Look at this way, all the cubs have to do is lose to put us in. We don't even have to win any games. It's like taking candy from a baby.


Actually we have to win 1 game to have any chance ... the Cubs play one more game than us, but are 2 up in the loss column.

Hey I'll take a 1-5 finish if the Cubs finish 0-7 :D ... AND the Giants go 0-6 .... AND the Padres go 1-5 :)

[OUsooner]

GO Stros!!!!

[T-2]

Don't forget to root against L.A. the next few days.

#1) If the Giants win their next few and L.A. loses against Colorado, the Dodgers will have a bigger incentive to beat the Giants on the last weekend. Of course, there's no love lost between the two teams, but who knows what the L.A. manager will do as far as benchings.

#2) If by freak chance, L.A. loses almost all of their games, then we might be able to nudge them out of the wildcard if the Giants go on a tear.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by T-2
Don't forget to root against L.A. the next few days.

#1) If the Giants win their next few and L.A. loses against Colorado, the Dodgers will have a bigger incentive to beat the Giants on the last weekend. Of course, there's no love lost between the two teams, but who knows what the L.A. manager will do as far as benchings.

#2) If by freak chance, L.A. loses almost all of their games, then we might be able to nudge them out of the wildcard if the Giants go on a tear.

I don't know about that. I don't want there to be another team in the picture.

Also, We are talking about the Dodgers against the Giants. They don't like each other. LA could be 159-0 going into this series and they would still want to kill the Giants. Much like the Cards have always taken the "Anyone but the Cubs" stance, there is no way the Dodgers lay down to the Giants.

I see a sweep. I do think that the Cards have absolutely nothing left to play for and will do just enough to stay in the game. They won't be trying to turn doubles into triples or anything like that. As long as the Astros can maintain their cool and just try to play like then have over the last month and a half, there is no reason we can't win out.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by MadMax
man, i'm so glad you're back!!! :D Hope you are ready to change that sig in about a month buddy.

[Stack24]

Woohoo....i got Astros Suite tickets for tonights game....all you can eat and drink.....

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Hope you are ready to change that sig in about a month buddy.

what is the criteria of the bet again? is it affected by the astros making the playoffs??

i'll add something to my sig if lose the bet. i'll pay up.

of course, we could double or nothing if the astros and braves meet in the first round! :D

[synergy]

LLW

I hope i'm dead wrong..

[PiPdAdY33]

WWW

Realism has no place in this thread.

Comeback of the century, at least IMO if we pull it off.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by synergy
LLW

I hope i'm dead wrong..

:mad:

To Roy and his arm:

"I just wanted to tell you both 'good luck'...we're all counting on you" . - Dr. Rumack


A boy at the game with his father...

Father: "We need to get near the bullpen..."

Son: "Bullpen...what is it?"

Father: "It's a place where you yell obscenities at the opposing pitchers but that's not important now."

Okay...enough with the "Airplane" quotes.

Go Stros! Do or die!!!

[JPM0016]

2 RBI double for Ensberg!

2-0 Stros

[Tyree]

3-0....:D cubs up 2-0:(

[JPM0016]

Chavez singles home another run

3-0

The offense looks to be picking up again, cubs have a 2-0 advantage on Cincy though

[NewRoxFan]

The Reds, laying down... :mad:

[whag00]

nice hit biggio

[PiPdAdY33]

Shoot, I thought it was gone, 2 run double by Biggio 5-0 Stros.

[Surfguy]

Damn, that was fast. I missed all of it over watching Cuban's show. :(

[PiPdAdY33]

1 run double by BAGWELL.

6-0

[JPM0016]

Now we need a little help from Cincy. Its gonna be tough against Zambrano

[Elienator]

With Oswalt on the mound and a comfortable lead, hopefully he can cruise through the game. Now we just need the Reds to help us out a little bit. With the power they have, they can easily come back from a few run deficit, they just can't get too far behind.

[whag00]

Very impressive inning...

[synergy]

Originally posted by whag00
Very impressive inning...

hoping for another 6, in the third

[synergy]

ok, lets start discussing tomorrow's game

[Jebus]

wow nice play!

Renteria grounded one off of Roy, which Viz ran over and barehanded in time to throw the runner out at first.

[Jebus]

Originally posted by synergy
ok, lets start discussing tomorrow's game

this kind of attitude leads to 7 run ninth innings by the other team.

[synergy]

Originally posted by Jebus
this kind of attitude leads to 7 run ninth innings by the other team.

last time i checked, my name wasn't jeff bagwell, craig biggio or carlos "the jackal" beltran

:)

[PiPdAdY33]

2 run triple by Beltran

8-0

[Jebus]

Originally posted by synergy
last time i checked, my name wasn't jeff bagwell, craig biggio or carlos "the jackal" beltran

:)

ok, if Beltran jacks one here, we can start talking about tomorrow.

edit: sorry, a triple's not good enough.
:D

[Surfguy]

Holy sh*t...we're shelling those birds. Crash and burn.

[arkoe]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Holy sh*t...we're shelling those birds. Crash and burn.

They do just enough to tickle your balls. Then they walk away laughing.

[Jebus]

i like getting into their bullpen early- maybe it will help us in the next 2 games.

[adeelsiddiqui]

Originally posted by Jebus
i like getting into their bullpen early- maybe it will help us in the next 2 games.

yea yea... Burn em... I would love to see us abuse their bullpen, which just may fear them into having to use their other starters a little longer .

[PiPdAdY33]

Damn, maybe I'm just greedy but I would have liked to see Beltran come home, he was on 3rd with no outs and was stranded.

Cubs-2 - Reds-1
Come on Cincy lets pull it out.

[synergy]

is there anything sweeter than watching your team have a blowout lead...even though there is no suspense left in the game?

[Elienator]

7 -1 cubs. Oh well, with Zambrano on the mound I think this was a game you had to expect them to win.

[Jebus]

Originally posted by synergy
is there anything sweeter than watching your team have a blowout lead...even though there is no suspense left in the game?

watching the Cubs blow a 9-1 lead at the same time.

[PiPdAdY33]

I guess our bullpen pitchers just love being on t.v. because they painfully prolong too many games.

[Uprising]

Great win! man, this game was very exciting. I think maybe Lane should get more playing time, but perhaps from Biggio's time. Although it was great to see Biggio get out of his slump tonight.

Great great game. I love seeing this offense click....now we just need dem pesky scrubies to lose.

[rrj_gamz]

Great game and great win...Now, if we can only keep it going for the rest of the season...

Go Stros!!!

[RocketManJosh]

The Cubs will go 3-3 from hereon out ...
They lose 1 out of the next 3 to the Reds and 2 out of 3 to the Braves.

That means we need 4 out of the next 5 games.

Clemens will pitch 2 of those and Roy will pitch once more ... That means we have to get a win out of Backe or whoever pitches the first game against Colorado.

I think this is very doable ... I hope that extra home game the Cubs got doesnt come back to haunt us if we finish 1 out ...(although I'm sure the Marlins feel like they got the real raw end of the deal ... and rightly so, but I guess thats what they get for playing on a team whose home region sticks out into the ocean right? :P)

[Castor27]

Scott Rolen is expected to start at 3rd tonight.

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mymod/hdln/mlb/sty/*http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=rotowire-cottolenxpectedtoetu&prov=rotowire&type=lgns

[Austin70]

Originally posted by Castor27
Scott Rolen is expected to start at 3rd tonight.

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mymod/hdln/mlb/sty/*http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=rotowire-cottolenxpectedtoetu&prov=rotowire&type=lgns


Went to the game last night and saw Rolen working with some trainers, ran pretty well, but it was the stopping that looked like it was hurting him.

Also, anyone have any idea about Sundays give away at MMP? I have 4 kids going and they would think it was cool to get something.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by MadMax
what is the criteria of the bet again? is it affected by the astros making the playoffs??

i'll add something to my sig if lose the bet. i'll pay up.

of course, we could double or nothing if the astros and braves meet in the first round! :D It had nothing to do with the Stros making the playoffs. But if they make the playoffs and beat the Braves then I'll change my sig. Thats the double or nothing part. If they make it and don't play the Braves I still win.

[shawn786]

We need to find a way and win this game. & so do the Reds ;)

[Uprising]

Lets go Astros! Time to win another one....Let's go Reds...and Dodgers?

[Uprising]

wow.....he struck out the side to begin the game....:o

[Uprising]

Ugh 1-0 Cards....Walker HR.

The Cardinals are 73-15 when they score first.....*sigh*....


Bases loaded for the Reds with one out! LEts go Reds!!! :cool:



EDIT: WOW! Kent is really hot! Double for kent to lead off the bottom of the2nd.

[RocketManJosh]

Viz has GOT to capitalize in that situation ... We can't leave runners on third with one out and expect to sweep the remaining games.

Backe's looked decent so far minus one bad pitch that was crushed ... lets hope he can keep that going

[Uprising]

Well, Reds just scored 2 runs.

2-0 Reds.

[Nick]

another 2 run shot in Chicago.

4-0 Reds.

Lets take this game over now.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Nick
another 2 run shot in Chicago.

4-0 Reds.

Lets take this game over now.

I just heard that on the tv. Sweet! Come on Astros! Time for a big inning!

[RocketManJosh]

This could be huge ... Let's take it tonight boys!

[Uprising]

Backe with the lead off single! :D

Now he is in scoring position! Bring him home!

EDIT: Terrible....popup by Beltran...come on. Where are the timely hits?!

Come on Bags!

[Uprising]

WHOOO Tie game! Bagwell RBI single!

[Nick]

Tough call there on that strikeout of Berkman... i'm pretty sure I heard the bat clip the ball before it hit the ground.

EDIT: WOW!:eek: :eek: What a catch by Lance!

[Uprising]

WOW! Amazing catch by Berkman stealing an extra bases hit from Pujols.

[Uprising]

Backe is flirting with HR's.....

[Nick]

ANOTHER 2 run shot in Chicago.

This time its Dunn.

6-0 Cincy.


THIS GAME IS A MUST WIN!

[Uprising]

This ump sucks! Geez....he is not calling the same strike zone tonight. How was that a strike!? BS.....

[RocketManJosh]

Is anyone else crazy nervous like I am ... Man Cubs down 6-0 ... What an opportunity

[Nick]

This is Backe's last inning... hell, it could be his last batter.

EDIT: Boy... the Astros get a huge break there...

[synergy]

yes, yes..!!!

[Uprising]

Whata throw by Beltran!!!!!!!!!!!


OUt at home!!!! :D :D

[whag00]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Uprising]

Was I just talking bad about that ump?! I love his inconsitency!

[synergy]

astros.. very lucky

[Nick]

Honestly... after all these years of watching Houston sports... this is the most blatantly wrong call that I've ever seen that actually HELPED the home team.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by synergy
astros.. very lucky

Yep; sometimes you just a little outside help

[Uprising]

Beltran put so much on that throw he did a COMPLETE FLIP!

[synergy]

man, beltran is awesome..

[Nashvegas]

wow

[bigballerj]

He was safe, but we've been hosed on other calls before so it all averages out. :D

[whag00]

I love the slow-motion on Beltran's throw...

[Uprising]

Originally posted by whag00
I love the slow-motion on Beltran's throw...

Just amazing!

[Surfguy]

That call was hilarious. It wasn't that close. He was safe by a country mile.

[Nick]

Originally posted by bigballerj
He was safe, but we've been hosed on other calls before so it all averages out. :D

Agreed... but its just that we normally don't remember the calls that actually go FOR us.

I'll remember this one... especially if we go on to win this game.

[Uprising]

Big Big Inning!

[Puedlfor]

He would've been safe easily, except Sanders blew the slide. Ump got it right.

[RocketManJosh]

Nice make-up call for that Backe strike huh? ... jk

Man what a break ... WE MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE

Due up in the 6th ... Rolen, Pujols, Edmonds, Walker .... Time to get some runs guys

[Surfguy]

Umm...yea...I just looked it up. The home plate umpire, Brian Onora, was born in Houston. :D

Just kidding(although it wouldn't surprise me but, then again, what does in this day and age?)

[Nick]

Originally posted by Puedlfor
He would've been safe easily, except Sanders blew the slide. Ump got it right.

Honestly, he didn't even have to slide... he would have been safe had he just run through...

But, that's what you're trained to do.

I still don't think he could have missed the plate... but the umpire was RIGHT THERE... so you have to believe him. :D

[Uprising]

6-2 Reds.

[whag00]

Originally posted by Uprising
6-2 Reds.

No Danny Graves either...

[Nick]

Alright... no excuses anymore.

The Reds are helping us.

The Umps are helping us.

Even the Cardinals are helping us by batting Rolen 2nd, and having Carpenter injured.

We have to win now!

[Uprising]

Beltran with another triple!

436ft shot! But it isn't a HR! In any other field it would have been a HOMER!


I HATE THAT HILL!!!!

[whag00]

Wow a 435 1/2 foot triple...

[synergy]

wow, beltran can do no wrong..

[Uprising]

I HATE THAT HILL!!!!


WHOOO 2-1 Good Guys! RBI Bagwell who just MISSED the HR.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Uprising
I HATE THAT HILL!!!!


WHOOO 2-1 Good Guys! RBI Bagwell who just MISSED the HR.

Bagwell almost hits a HR that's 20 feet short of the warning track in most stadiums.

Beltran almost hits a HR that's 20 rows up in the seats in most stadiums.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Nick
Bagwell almost hits a HR that's 20 feet short of the warning track in most stadiums.

Beltran almost hits a HR that's 20 rows up in the seats in most stadiums.

Heh.... How true that is.

[Nick]

Cincy scores another... 7-2 now.

We MUST play add on. Here comes Kiko... who we have never hit... but maybe a change from Haren will do them good.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Nick
Cincy scores another... 7-2 now.

We MUST play add on. Here comes Kiko... who we have never hit... but maybe a change from Haren will do them good.

Wow, I am loving how the crowd reacts to the changing of the scores.

[synergy]

cmon, astros need hits.. i want bang, bang, bang

[SamCassell]

Need Cincy to hang on for 4 more innings.

[Uprising]

Viz is hitting .300 at MMP! ...come on Viz. Knock one outa here!

[Nick]

Originally posted by SamCassell
Need Cincy to hang on for 4 more innings.

Sammy hops again ... and its a long sac fly. :D

:rolleyes: he needs to stop hopping.

7-3.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Nick
Sammy hops again ... and its a long sac fly. :D

:rolleyes: he needs to stop hopping.

7-3.

I am loving it. Man Corky has been very good as of lately, I am surprised he made contact.

[SamCassell]

3 innings. Hancock should have enough gas left to throw the 7th, he's facing the bottom of the order and has only throw 89 pitches.

[whag00]

Man I hope they don't pinch hit for Qualls...

[Nick]

Alright... Chad did a GREAT job.

We still need to play add on.

AND... Lidge should be available for 2 innings today (but he might not start the 8th), especially with Clemens going tommorow... and an off day on Thursday. (and, possible off days TILL APRIL if these are not wins)

EDIT: Hancock helps himself... RBI single... 8-3 Reds in the 7th.

[Uprising]

8-3 Reds! :D

[synergy]

damn, cut beltran.












ok, jk

he proves he's a mortal..

[SamCassell]

I know he only pitched 5 innings and was the beneficiary of great defense, but 3 hits, 1 runs is impressive against the Cards in a must-win. Backe has made a case for giving him the start on the last day of the season, instead of Clemens on 3 days rest.

[Creepy Crawl]

big dan always makes me nervous ........... he started off the year pretty good but has gone to crap lately . :(

dang Milo could steal off this fool :D

[Nick]

Man... can we get better 0-2 pitches Miceli?!?!?!?

Also, does Cody Freaking Mckay have hits off any other team besides us this year? he's 10-23 against Houston... and is a .136 hitter overall.

[whag00]

Originally posted by Creepy Crawl
dang Milo could steal off this fool :D

That's a pretty funny line...

Well it looks like "Lights Out" is coming in...This will be fun to watch.

[Creepy Crawl]

it seems that way Nick .

[Nick]

Originally posted by Creepy Crawl
it seems that way Nick .

Just checked... 10 of his 17 hits have come against Houston.

Amazing.

[Uprising]

Very important out here!

1 ball 2 strikes to pujols... men on the corners 2 outs.

[SamCassell]

Wouldn't give Poo holes anything to hit.

[Creepy Crawl]

lets go Lidge !

[JPM0016]

Lights out Lidge does it again! 3 outs to go

[whag00]

Yes!

[Uprising]

YES! Out number 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Nick]

phew.... big out there.

Lets get some more freaking runs now.

[Creepy Crawl]

sit down Putos !

[RocketManJosh]

Man it doesnt get much more exciting than that!!!!

[NIKEstrad]

So Clutch. Gotta get through Edmonds, Walker, and Renteria in the bottom of the inning so a run or two would be nice.

[Nick]

Originally posted by RocketManJosh
Man it doesnt get much more exciting than that!!!!

They've still got Edmonds, Walker, Renteria, and Sanders due up... so I really hope you're right.

A big inning here would be huge.

EDIT: Leadoff walks = runs scored 70% of the time.

[Creepy Crawl]

we need runs dangit !

[thegame_2234]

how are the game

[SamCassell]

If the Cubs don't come up with a huge rally, Hancock (4 career wins) will have beaten Greg Maddux (304 career wins). You might say he put his signature on the game.

[synergy]

Originally posted by thegame_2234
how are the game


what???

[Tyree]

3 outs left for the cubs!!

[Uprising]

wow bases loaded and no outs!!!!

[thegame_2234]

we won the game

count of the strikes

:confused:

[Nick]

No matter what happens, Ensberg is actually THE GUY I want up to bat in this situation.

[Creepy Crawl]

come on boys atleast a sac fly ............. please no DP !!!

[synergy]

is there a cubs forum, where i can mock them after this game?

[bigballerj]

A Grand Slam will be nice :D :D

[Tyree]

San diego up 2-0!!!! CUBS LOSE@!!!!!! WOOHOOO

[Earl Cureton]

Cubs lose 3-8 !

[whag00]

Originally posted by thegame_2234
we won the game

count of the strikes

:confused:

What are you drinking tonight?

[Nick]

Originally posted by synergy
is there a cubs forum, where i can mock them after this game?

Don't stoop to their level Syn... besides, there's enough Braves and Cardinals fans who make a living of doing that after every game.

EDIT: That hurts...

[Uprising]

Horrible base running by Berkman! Terrible Terrible Double play!

BRAIN FART BERKMAN!!!! CHOKE!

[JPM0016]

What the hell was Fat Elvis doing?

[bigballerj]

Nice going Berkman :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Creepy Crawl]

that was just a dumb play on lance's part . :mad:

[NIKEstrad]

Originally posted by Creepy Crawl
come on boys atleast a sac fly ............. please no DP !!!

Especially not one that gets outs at home and 3rd. What was Lance thinking???

[whag00]

Originally posted by Uprising
Horrible base running by Berkman! Terrible Terrible Double play!

BRAIN FART BERKMAN!!!! CHOKE!

They refuse to make it easy for themselves.

[Nick]

Originally posted by JPM0016
What the hell was Fat Elvis doing?

I have no idea... probably had a fat Elvis song stuck in his head.

Cubs lose... astros picked the wrong time to look clueless out there.

[synergy]

doh, fatty kruk :mad:

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Nick
I have no idea... probably had a fat Elvis song stuck in his head.

Cubs lose... astros picked the wrong time to look clueless out there.

Padres beating the Giants 2-0 also. Its looking good

[thegame_2234]

Originally posted by whag00
What are you drinking tonight?

i want to know the game who are pitching

[Nick]

Originally posted by thegame_2234
i want to know the game who are pitching

I think he's drinking the same thing that Lance was.

Honestly... I think we just gave back the run that we "stole" when the Ump called Sanders out.

Thus, whatever the outcome... we're even now.

[RocketManJosh]

God please don't let that mistake cost us our season

[thegame_2234]

i'm trying to see them in the PBP but the updates are lates

[DaDakota]

Berkman would have scored on Viz Sac fly to Edmonds.

If they don't win, that blunder could have cost them any chance at a playoff spot.

How can a professional athlete make that kind of mistake? Why wasn't the third base coach telling him to run on any ground ball?

Typical...now we got Edmonds leading off against Lidge.

UGH !!! Stomach churning.

EDIT: WHEW !!!!

DD

[JBIIRockets]

It will be interesting after the game to find out what Lance was thinking out there, because I can't figure that mistake out.

[JPM0016]

1 down, 2 to go

[Tyree]

2 to go!!

[Nick]

Originally posted by JBIIRockets
It will be interesting after the game to find out what Lance was thinking out there, because I can't figure that mistake out.

Only if they lose... if they win, its just Lance being Lance (que corny theme music here).

[Tyree]

1 to go!!!

[synergy]

cant believe we got bageled in that inning.

[Creepy Crawl]

Billy who ?

[Tyree]

ASTROS WIN!!!!!:D :D :D

[whag00]

What a Game!!!

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Tyree
ASTROS WIN!!!!!:D :D :D

Now they win

[Nick]

LIGHT'S OUT LIDGE!!!!!!

[synergy]

party at my place........:D

[wrath_of_khan]

BELIEVE!

[JBIIRockets]

LIDGE = STUD!

and notice how Garner uses Lidge just like Torre uses Rivera. If only we had Garner a little longer.

[JPM0016]

The Cubs have 1 left with the Reds, 3 with Atlanta

The Giants have 3 against the Padres, 3 against LA

Houston has 1 left against St. Louis, 3 against Colorado

I like our chances. Start placing your orders

https://secure.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/ticketing/postseason_2004.jsp

[Surfguy]

How f-ing beautiful it is!!!

Incredible game!

[SamCassell]

Before they began their late-season surge, the Stros were 13-18 in one run games this season. Since that point in mid-August, they are 11-0. Either really clutch, or really lucky, down the stretch. Either way, they've been incredibly entertaining to watch in the last six weeks.

[wrath_of_khan]

Rusch pitching tomorrow for the Cubs ... that's a winnable game for the Reds ...

Rocket going for us tomorrow night...

BELIEVE!

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by SamCassell
Since that point in mid-August, they are 11-0. Either really clutch, or really lucky, down the stretch.

A little bit of both. However it happens i'll take it.

[Trader_Jorge]

Lance isn't the only Rice Owl that made a mental mistake tonight. I watched the last 3 innings thinking the Cardinals were ahead 2-1. I couldn't figure out why Lidge was celebrating after striking out Renteria. I was still cursing the inning before after not scoring with the bases loaded.

Stros need to win out, I figure. Still need help, although it's not as bleak as before.

[Creepy Crawl]

that was an awesome game ! just plain ol clutch by Lidge ! '


way to go boys !

[RocketManJosh]

HELLS YEAH!

Great pick-me-up Lidge ... Berkman is forgiven and will not be known as a goat for the rest of his career. He would have been all over sportscenter and talk-radio tomorrow.

[JBIIRockets]

Originally posted by JPM0016
The Cubs have 1 left with the Reds, 3 with Atlanta



2 left with the reds. They play them on thursday while the Astros have the day off.

[Joe Joe]

How Sweet It Is!

[Behad]

http://home.houston.rr.com/behad/untitled.jpg

[shawn786]

Originally posted by Behad
http://home.houston.rr.com/behad/untitled.jpg

Its so close u can allmost taste it!!

[francis 4 prez]

Pued says he was safe so maybe he saw a better replay angle, but damn it that sanders out was sweet. ausmus' glove wasn't even on the plate and it looked like sanders was safe by 2 feet. whatever, i'll take it.

and lance now has my two favorite baserunning mistakes of the season for us. the other being diving to the ground midway to first base because a throw home came close to him. that also resulted in an amazingly delayed double play that you couldn't believe. somehow lance became the first person in about 100 years of baseball to decide not to run on a ground ball with the bases loaded.


lidge is just friggin' amazing. his slider is behind only mariano's cut fastball as the most unhittable pitch going. i swear, no one ever puts it in play. they either just get frozen for a strike or whiff. and he throws it a huge percentage of the time. it's amazing.


now if we can just win a clemens start and beat an inferior team 3 times in a row and run the home winning streak to 18, it'll be all good. but that's a little easier said than done.

[Uprising]

WOW! What a HUGE win! Man, I love my stros.

Nice to have all the wagoners back in the Astros forum too. Let's keep it up stros! WC champs!

[DaDakota]

Originally posted by francis 4 prez
now if we can just win a clemens start and beat an inferior team 3 times in a row and run the home winning streak to 18, it'll be all good. but that's a little easier said than done.

Don't forget the Cubs losing at least 2 more and the Giants as well.

:)

DD

[DaDakota]

I know why the Cubs get 82 home games this year, but why did the Giants get an extra home game too?

DD

[Nick]

Originally posted by DaDakota
I know why the Cubs get 82 home games this year, but why did the Giants get an extra home game too?

DD

It was a game against the Expos earlier this year that was rained out in San Juan.

No way they could go back there to make it up...

[Uprising]

well.....ofcourse I had to miss the final out and the post game interviews because my roomate was asking for help on setting up her pc to the DSL connection.....and....well. I weighed it in my head....helping her adds up....

[Uprising]

Originally posted by SamCassell
Before they began their late-season surge, the Stros were 13-18 in one run games this season. Since that point in mid-August, they are 11-0. Either really clutch, or really lucky, down the stretch. Either way, they've been incredibly entertaining to watch in the last six weeks.

Wow, that's a scary figure. It's just amazing how scrappy has turned this team around. I hope we see him in an Astros jersey next season.

[DaDakota]

I think the 11-0 stat is due to having better arms in the bullpen.

Relying on David Weathers and Mike Gallo to get more than one out is ludicrous at best.

We got some more speed in the bullpen now, and that Wheeler kid is gonna be nasty.

Oh, and getting that Cancer Redding out of the lineup and locker room did not hurt either.

DD

[xiki]

Originally posted by DaDakota
Oh, and getting that Cancer Redding out of the lineup and locker room did not hurt either.

DD

Next season, OR ONE DAY, we'll be sorry that sorry SOB is (will be in a few weeks) gone.

[DaDakota]

xiki,

I don't know...he seems to not have the mental makeup to be a big league pitcher.

Maybe he will grow into one some day...just not on the Astros.

DD

[BigM]

so bascially if we hadn't have ever signed weathers do you think we'd have locked this thing up already? :)

[Uprising]

Originally posted by DaDakota
I think the 11-0 stat is due to having better arms in the bullpen.

Relying on David Weathers and Mike Gallo to get more than one out is ludicrous at best.

We got some more speed in the bullpen now, and that Wheeler kid is gonna be nasty.

Oh, and getting that Cancer Redding out of the lineup and locker room did not hurt either.

DD

I too really like Wheeler. I don't know too much about Springer, but he really hasn't impressed me so far. But Wheeler has been great to throw out there and pitch a scoreless innning.

[Groogrux]

We, as Houston fans, deserve an infinite amount of ****ty calls to go our way due to:

1. Bills comeback game
2. Malone bearhugging his way to the Finals
3. David Robinson getting the basket after the buzzer in 1993

[arkoe]

Originally posted by BigM
so bascially if we hadn't have ever signed weathers do you think we'd have locked this thing up already? :)

Not to be picky, but we didn't sign him.

[Groogrux]

Can someone explain to me how San Francisco has left 25 men on base in this game? That's gotta be a record.

[weakfromtoday]

Looks like only 14 to me.

box score (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=240928125)

San Diego had 10 so maybe it was the game total and not just the Giants total.

[bigballerj]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Can someone explain to me how San Francisco has left 25 men on base in this game? That's gotta be a record.

That number is misleading....For example lets say:


The bases are loaded with no outs and the next 3 hitters strike out. They each leave 3 men on base (total of 9).

However, only 3 people have been left on base at the end of the inning.

[MadMax]

Incredible. Absolutely incredible.

I hope everyone can appreciate what this team has done. 31-10 over their last 41 games. They lose a game and they get tabbed as heartless. This comeback is of ridiculous proprotions, historically. They are likely to finish with over 90 wins, which frankly is about where most of us expected at the beginning of the season.

I'm going to tonight's game. This is the kind of game you love to see Roger in.

[rrj_gamz]

These guys are giving me a heart attach...Great game and I can't wait for tonight...

go stros!!!

[Uprising]

It sure is amazing, considering how terrible this team was playing for what seemed an eternity.

The Astros are one hell of a team right now. I just hope they can keep it up and sweep the next two series.

I heard that the Braves are going to give it their all and play most of their stars against the Cubs, because they would wrather have someone else in the post season. SInce they lost against hte Cubs last season.

Lets go Reds, Braves, and ASTROS!

[Greg M]

Originally posted by synergy
is there a cubs forum, where i can mock them after this game?

http://www.northsidebaseball.com

[RocketManJosh]

Looks like Garner announced Munro as the starter Friday and Oswalt Saturday with the Sunday starter TBD.

Lets hope Munro can pull a nice game out Friday, but he needs to be on a short short leash. This CO team is not as bad of a team as the record indicates.

Hopefully Clemens can take care of the Cards tonight assuming we can give him some run support. We should definitely take 2 of 3 against the Rockies, but we might need 3. I think we can still afford 1 loss and end up in a tie for the WC, but it sure would be nice to win out and take it outright.

[DaDakota]

I think counting on the Cubs or Giants to lose more than one more time is risky at best.

The Stros need em all.

DD

[leroy420]

Originally posted by RocketManJosh
Looks like Garner announced Munro as the starter Friday and Oswalt Saturday with the Sunday starter TBD.

Lets hope Munro can pull a nice game out Friday, but he needs to be on a short short leash. This CO team is not as bad of a team as the record indicates.

Hopefully Clemens can take care of the Cards tonight assuming we can give him some run support. We should definitely take 2 of 3 against the Rockies, but we might need 3. I think we can still afford 1 loss and end up in a tie for the WC, but it sure would be nice to win out and take it outright.

With Clemens going tonight and a day off on Thursday, the pen should be well rested for potentially a lot of work on Fri. Hopefully, Munro will do well. I would think that Carlos would be available out of the pen to help early if necessary.

GO ASTROS!

[Jebus]

HUGE game tonight for Roger!

what a perfect chance to lock down that Cy Young.

[Tyree]

3 outs to go....

[Tyree]

Originally posted by Tyree
3 outs to go....

whoops wrong window...sorry

[PhiSlammaJamma]

It would be nice to have a one game lead going into the munro game. That way we can sit back. But that means Prior has to lose. Not likely. It's gonna be a tight race coming down the wire.

[shawn786]

Originally posted by Jebus
HUGE game tonight for Roger!

what a perfect chance to lock down that Cy Young.

I agree but i think hes allready got the Cy Young award locked down.

[Uprising]

Roger had 12K's in his last start, IIRC. I hope he can keep up the hot hand tonight. He has been nearly perfect in his last 3 starts.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by shawn786
I agree but i think hes allready got the Cy Young award locked down.

Sure does. So to break it down. The astros are now tied for the wildcard lead with the Cy Young pitching at home against a team resting its guys; while matching up against Jeff Suppan. I can't wait!

[Uprising]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Sure does. So to break it down. The astros are now tied for the wildcard lead with the Cy Young pitching at home against a team resting its guys; while matching up against Jeff Suppan. I can't wait!

We are tied with the Cubs for 2nd in the WC chase.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Uprising
We are tied with the Cubs for 2nd in the WC chase.

Close enough :)

[Uprising]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Close enough :)

Yeah, we are in the middle of a big stride. We will come out on top.

[Joe Joe]

September 25, 1986....8 years ago and 4 days....Mike Scott threw a no hitter. It would be so sweet if Clemens could do that tonite.

[El Toro]

Did anybody here happen to record Backe's game against the Cards last night? I'm looking for a copy of the game and would be willing to compensate anyone who can provide me with a tape. Thanks folks.

[Tyree]

Great first innning by the ROCKET KKK!!!

[Jebus]

Originally posted by El Toro
Did anybody here happen to record Backe's game against the Cards last night? I'm looking for a copy of the game and would be willing to compensate anyone who can provide me with a tape. Thanks folks.

you can d/l it from mlb.com for like $3 or so.. not sure of the quality though.

[Tyree]

KENT HR!!!! 1-0 GOOD GUYS!!

[Nick]

HR Kent... #300.

This man has showed up big-time in September.

[JPM0016]

Jeff Kent goes yard, #300 for his career! You know that one was for Mr. Justice :)

[Jebus]

yeah kent!!!

1-0

[Nick]

HAHA... There's a "Kearns - MVP" sign at MMP tonight.

That is awesome...

[Jebus]

Originally posted by Nick
HAHA... There's a "Kearns - MVP" sign at MMP tonight.

That is awesome...

I'm all over that bandwagon!

[Surfguy]

What a nightmare! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!

[Jebus]

Bidge...

[Nick]

hmm... Biggio is looking like he's taking ballet out there.

He probably didn't even need to jump.

[adw]

WTF WAS THAT :( :mad:

[NickC19]

Great fielding Biggio....nice job on the relay to Viz as well.

Still though, any decent throw to Ausmus would've had the runner at home :mad:

-Nick-

[JPM0016]

Ensberg goes yard!!!

3-2

[adw]

MORGAN!!!!!!

[Surfguy]

OH HELL YEAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nick]

Taguchi plays the ball even worse than Bidge did...

Man... before that hit, I could have sworn I was watching a "vintage" astros playoff performance.

But... we never get breaks like that during those games.

[Joshfast]

ENSBERG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!