On this day, 11 years ago, Enron Field hosted its first July 4th game, as the Astros were rocked 10-4 by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Houston's Jose Lima was the victim early, allowing seven runs on five hits and three walks while striking out no one. That game raised his ERA that season to 7.52 as he gave up one of many big home runs that season. At least Mike Maddux and Doug Henry provided some late-game relief work, pitching three scoreless innings between the two and allowing just one hit. Yorkis Perez and Joe Slusarski both gave up runs, getting the D'Backs to their 10-run total.
At least Jeff Bagwell hit his 22nd home run of the season, while Moises Alou added his 12th. Oh, and Richard Hidalgo and Lance Berkman each had doubles. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to keep Houston in this game. Sidenote: this was during a period where Julio Lugo had bumped Craig Biggio out of the leadoff spot. Good thing or bad?
The reason I chose this game is I remember it well and even have a reminder of it. That day, MBNA America was giving away these cool Astros Hawaiian shirts in honor of Larry Dierker. My whole family got them and I've been wearing mine for years now. Not out in public, mind you, but it's a great around-the-house weekend shirt.
Plus, every time I put it on, I remember that game, even though it ended so horribly. Oh, and insult to injury? It was Randy Johnson who got the win for Arizona. Good call on not signing him, Drayton..
Here's a graphic replay of the game, thanks to Back to Baseball.