Boxscore

The Astros (11-12) swept the Reds (9-14) in their short two-game series. The win gave Houston a five-game winning streak and moved them to one game below .500.

The Reds continue to find ways to suck. This time, it was rookie phenom Johnny Cueto (1-2). Well, it’s probably harsh to say that he sucked, but he did allow 5 runs in 7 innings, while striking out only 2.

Not that the Reds had much chance of preventing the Astros from scoring, regardless of the pitcher. Lance Berkman owns Great American Ballpark, and a home run and three RBI to his impressive totals there.

Jack Cassel (1-0) got the win, starting in place of an injured Wandy Rodriguez, and Jose Valverde (S 3) got a routine save.

Houston moves to St. Louis where they’ll send out Shawn Chacon to battle Braden Looper at 8:15pm EDT. Meanwhile the Reds take a short plane ride to San Francisco where Aaron Harang starts against Jonathan Sanchez at 10:15pm EDT.

Boxscore

In the aftermath of the firing of Wayne Krivsky, the Reds (9-13) played the Astros (10-12). And they lost, which will surely displease Bob Castellini. Who’s head will roll next?

When I saw Chris Sampson (1-2) with an 8+ ERA going against Bronson Arroyo (0-3) with a 5+ ERA, I knew the Reds were doomed. The Astros offense is on a roll right now, and Arroyo is not.

The Astros won their fourth straight and will try their luck against rookie Johnny Cueto today. Houston counters with Jack Cassel.

Boxscore

I stop paying attention to baseball over the weekend, and lo and behold, the Astros (8-12) embarked on an actual winning streak. Sure it’s only two games, but that’s a start.

Roy Oswalt (2-3) seems to have returned to his old self, pitching 7 innings, striking out 6, and allowing just three runs. Former Red Justin Germano (0-2) was awful for the padres, allowing 10 runs, all earned, in his 3 1/3 innings. Ouch.

It’s nice to see the Astros offense start to come around. Berkman and Tejada both homered for Houston.

The Astros seek to continue their streaking ways tonight when Jake Peavy goes against Brandon Backe at 8:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

The Astros (6-11) finally had their offense show up yesterday as they scored 4 runs in the first inning. If only the Rockies (8-8) hadn’t already scored 6 in the top of the first.

Chris Sampson (0-2) couldn’t make it out of the first inning. He allowed 6 runs, all of them earned. It was all downhill from there, as it usually is when you have to go to the bullpen in the first.

Franklin Morales (1-1) got the win for the Rockies, although he wasn’t too sharp either. When a total of 10 runs are scored in the first, you know you’re not in for a pitchers duel.

The Astros turn to Wandy Rodriguez to end their two-game losing streak and hopefully start some winning today. Gametime is 7:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

Jose Valverde is still in after-school suspension. Sure, he was the least of the problems for the Astros (6-10), but he was a fitting bookend to the blowout at the hands of the Phillies (8-8).

Brandon Backe (1-2) started and was pulled in the 4th for sucking. He allowed 5 earned runs in 3 innings. If that’s not bad enough, he also allowed 10 hits and 2 walks. Not a good night for Backe.

It was the opposite for Brett Myers (2-1) who owned the Astros, collecting 8 strikeouts over 7 innings of one-run ball.

But Valverde merits a mention. In what I believe is his first appearance since blowing the game after a great start earlier this week, he came into a game the Astros had already lost. It’s a complete lack of pressure, and he allowed a two-run homerun. Sigh. Brad Lidge never looked so good.

The Astros return home to host the Rockies. Chris Sampson for the Astros, and Franklin Morales goes for the Rockies.