Dominance thy name is Bud Norris: Pirates 1 - Astros 9

by Stephen Higdon on Sep 11, 2009 10:36 PM CDT in Events Comment 8 comments

I didn't see a single second of this game, so my analysis will be skin deep and emphasize what I can glean from the box score.

Things that are good (there will be no corresponding things that were bad):

Bud Norris' final line: 6IP, 6H, 1R (1ER), 7K, 1BB, 84 pitches (54 strikes).
Bud Norris' peripherals: 7 K:BB, 10.5 K/9, 8.33 K/100. That's efficiency—which in pitching gets renamed dominance.
Yorman Bazardo getting tested in the bullpen (something I've been hoping for) and producing a 3K inning. I'll take infinite K:BB ratios and 27 K/9 all day everyday from in the pen.
Lance Berkman starting a HR streak and sprinkling in a 2B for good measure.
Kazuo Matsui going 3/4 with a 2B as well.
Tommy Manzella collecting his first big league hit—a good omen, perhaps?

Whatever I've left off good, bad, or indifferent let me know.

Here's the only game recapage you actually need:

290911118_pirates_astros_141609139_lbig_medium

via www.fangraphs.com

Pirates vs Astros coverage ; Pirates vs Astros boxscore ; Bucs Dugout

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Was the kind of night where things went our way

Matsui’s double was just a dying quail, so not a great piece of hitting… he also had a swinging bunt hint. Likewise, Manzella’s was an infield hit, but he made it with his legs at least, so there you go.

Bud Norris was genuinely good though. He ran into some trouble in fifth inning where his stuff wasn’t quite as sharp and his location was wobbly, but I was impressed that he pitched his way out of it and bounced back to looking good again in the sixth.

Hunter Pence caught in a comical rundown between third and home (his second of the night) with overly panicked play causing an error this time. Which of course blew the game open, not that it was necessary.

Gervacio was great yet again.

by OremLK on Sep 11, 2009 10:46 PM CDT reply actions

How does a Texas Leaguer result in a double?

Bloop hits usually only go for singles. I might have to pull up the replays to see it.

by AstroAndy on Sep 12, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions

my recollection is that...

it was pop up altitude and fell just next to the line in shallow RF, and the RFer couldn’t get to it (fell in front of him as he ran toward it). Give Matsui credit for running with full jets and getting into 2d.

Matsui went 3 for 4, and undoubtedly had some luck on that double and the infield hit. But he also had a good, well hit single which drove in Bourn for the first run. Matsui’s line was impressive: 3 for 4 with 2 R and 2 RBI and 1 SB.

by clack on Sep 12, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 11, 2009 11:12 PM CDT reply actions

Should read

Berkman CONTINUING a Homerun streak (not starting one)

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 11, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions

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Los Angeles Dodgers True Blue LA @ Houston Astros The Crawfish Boxes Thursday, Sep 9, 2010, 7:05 PM CDT Minute Maid Park Ted Lilly vs Bud Norris Partly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 90. Complete Coverage >
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NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Cincinnati Red Reporter	79	60	.568	0	Lost 4
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	72	65	.525	6	Lost 2
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	66	73	.474	13	Won 2
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	65	74	.467	14	Won 2
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	60	80	.428	19.5	Lost 2
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	47	92	.338	32	Lost 1