:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6128736/20120322_jel_bb1_190.jpg)
A day after losing two games and falling a game below .500 for the first time all Spring, the Astros responded with a victory over the Tigers. It actually started out looking like one of "those" games after the Tigers took an early five run lead in the first inning and a half. In the bottom half of the second inning the Astros responded with four runs over there own and ended the contest with four runs or more in three different innings. This pulls them back to .500; a place they've been for a majority of the Grapefruit League.
Offense
Brian Bogusevic continued his resurgance with a 2-3 day with two walks, three runs and two runs batted in. Both hits for Bogusevic were of the extra base variety, with a double and a homerun. The next significant offensive effort came from Jose Altuve who had a 2-2 day with two walks, a stolen base and two runs. The two walks are the biggest positive to take away from the effort as he needs to improve his plate discipline if he's going to get anything to hit this year. Finally, Jason Castro had a 2-4 day with two runs scored and two runs driven in. No one else reached base multiple times, however only four out of 17 hitters failed to reach base.
I guess I should also mention that Brian Bixler is making a strong push for an opening day roster spot with a pinch hit homerun in the eighth inning that drove in two.
Pitching
Wandy Rodriguez continued to struggle in Spring training, but this isn't anything to worry about considering he's struggled in preseasons past. He was able to get through six innings, while allowing five runs on six hits and one walk. Rhiner Cruz and Fernando Abad both worked the seventh. Cruz worked a majority of the inning, allowing an earned run on one hit and two walks. Abad struck out the one batter he faced.
Brandon Lyon pitched a shutout eighth and Wilton Lopez closed out the game allowing a run on two hits. With Cruz still being on the team you have to wonder if the Astros are in love with his stuff and feel his control is something they can remedy through-out the season.
Defense
No errors on the day and nothing significant I could pick out from listening on the radio.
Wednesday
12:05 PM vs Miami Marlins. Radio: KBME 790.