Game #9

ASTROS 5, CARDINALS 1

The Astros were bound to win a game eventually.    The Cardinals were denied yet another sweep by Bud Norris, who pitched five innings, allowing only an unearned run on four hits.  "Big Bad Bud," as I am officially coining now, improved to 3-0 lifetime against the Cardinals with a perfect 0.00 ERA.  If "Big Bad Bud" pitched every game against the Cardinals, he'd probably have a shot at breaking Cy Young's all time wins record. 

Seriously, after watching this guy pitch, I was impressed with his stuff.  Norris throws a sick slider that was making even Albert Pujols look bad all day.  Pujols struck out twice against Norris today, an amazing feat for the young lefty.  I was reading some "Bud Norris jokes" (an obvious reference to Chuck Norris jokes) on a message board today, and they're well deserved.  For whatever reason, Big Bad Bud pitches against the Cardinals like it's nothing.  And though I do give Norris a big tip of the cap today for pitching such an outstanding game, the Cardinals' offense doesn't quite get a free pass today.  Though Norris had some nasty stuff today, there were some ugly at bats by the Cardinals today.  And it continued after Norris was out of the game by the sixth inning.  The Cardinals could not take advantage of the Astro's bullpen, and they wrere fortunate to have Norris throw so many pitches and leave after only five.  The last couple of games have been sluggish offensively, but I don't think it's anything to be concerned about... yet.

Kyle Lohse pitched today as well as he should be expected to pitch.  Lohse went seven innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits.  That is good enough for me considering he is the fourth starter.  No one should be expecting him to dominate the way Carpenter, Wainwright, and, to an extent, Penny are capable of dominating.  Don't get spoiled with the starting pitching.  I am now convinced that the starting staff will be improved from last season.  And Kyle Lohse may be a better number four than people think.  He pitched well enough to win today, and he kept the Cardinals in the game last Friday, which they eventually won on the thrilling Nick Stavinoha home run.  I will say that Lohse's contract is a bit of a joke, considering that he's one of the highest paid players on the team, and he's just the number 4 starter.  Though I think he's overpaid given his talent, I don't regret having Lohse on this team.  But I sure hope this contract doesn't hurt the Cardinals' efforts to sign Albert Pujols to a new contract. Just sayin'...

So, the Cardinals still can't pull off the sweep.  I'm mildly disappointed because I was expecting a sweep, but I forgot about how strangely dominant Big Bad Bud has been against the Cardinals.  The Mets come to town this weekend.  With Garcia, Carpenter and Wainwright pitching, maybe that will be the Cardinals' first sweep of the season.  Because being on pace for an 108 win season isn't good enough! ;)

Boxscore courtesy of mlb.com.