This Day In Astros History: May 27, 2006

Another day, another loss this week in this feature. This time, it was a somewhat interesting game, as the Houston Astros lost 8-7 to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 18 innings at PNC Park.

Wandy Rodriguez started for Houston, throwing 5 2/3 innings while allowing eight hits, five runs (three earned) and three walks with four strikeouts. We were still pre-dominant Wandy in this era, so that line is pretty typical. Seven different relievers came in the game after that, including a who's who the recent Astros 'pens. Russ Springer, Dan Wheeler, Chad Qualls, Brad Lidge, Trever Miller and Dave Borkowski all made appearances. Miller even threw three innings, which was a lot for the lefty specialist.

It didn't get much easier on the lineup, as Eric Munson caught all 18 innings for Houston. Willy Taveras went 3 for 9 in the leadoff spot and Craig Biggio walked five times, but still managed to go 1 for 4 at the plate. It was the most walks Biggio ever had in a game in his entire career. It also tied him with Joe Ferguson and Joe Morgan for second place on the all-time franchise single-game list, but wasn't the top spot. That belongs to Mr. Jeff Bagwell, who walked six times in a 16 inning game against Florida from August 20, 1999 (you may see that game later in this season).

Oh, and did I mention that Taylor Buchholtz and Andy Pettite both pinch hit in this one, but did not pitch? It was a crazy game.

The Pirates lineup also reads like a very solid team, if they had stayed together. Jason Bay is in the outfield, along with Jose Bautista and Nate McLouth. Ryan Doumit is behind the plate and Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson man the left side of the infield. It's a team that should have won more than 67 games that season.

Here's a graphic replay of the game, thanks to Back to Baseball and here's the game thread from that particular night here at TCB.