Everyone, thank Stephen for his wonderful, slump-busting, jinx-lifting story on Carlos Lee Tuesday.
Seriously, did Lance Berkman and Lee just hit home runs in back-to-back games for the first time this season? What is this, a competent offense? Did they not see my flippant piece on SB Nation Houston Tuesday talking about how bad the offense was? I don't like to be proven wrong, boys. My mother proved me wrong. Once. Just once.
It's nice playing a team that's as bad or worse than the Astros, isn't it? Guys like Jeff Keppinger get to hit towering home runs against the Pirates. Add in some sparkling defensive plays by Michael Bourn and this game was almost perfect from the jump. Sure, there was that little hitch in the fourth inning. Sure, a surprisingly effective Brian Moehler had to leave the game with a groin strain. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes. This game had too much good to dwell on those things just now.
Instead, let's talk about Hunter Pence's home run in the sixth inning. Or strong outings from Casey Daigle, Tim Byrdak and Brandon Lyon. Or Matt Lindstrom passing 20 saves this season. Or Michael Bourn extending his league lead in stolen bases by one. Or our all-glove shortstop Angel Sanchez going 1 for 3 with a walk. What was your favorite moment from this game? Am I alone in being optimistic about this?
Don't take my optimism from this win for more than it is. I recognize the Astros are playing a bad team. In fact, they're playing possibly one of the two worst teams in the major leagues. Still, it's nice to get a little momentum going and see the good guys win. St. Louis this weekend will be a different story, but until then, I'll always have this Daniel McCutcheon start...