Astros Fall Apart In The Seventh, Lose 10-5 To Braves

The offense kept it going, but the pitching and defense fell apart in this one. Of course the Astros did have the bases loaded in the ninth down five runs, but a double play pretty much killed that rally. Still it was a game until about the seventh inning when things just came apart.

Offense

Jed Lowrie, Matt Downs and J.B. Shuck were the offensive stars of the game with two hits and a run batted in each. Both Shuck and Lowrie were 2-2, while Downs was 2-3. Other notable offensive performances were J.D. Martinez who smacked a double, scored a run and drove in a run and Brian Bogusevic who despite going 0-2 with a walk stole two bases. Overall the Astros collected 11 hits but only two of those went for extra bases, both doubles.

Defense

Two errors on two throws. The first was by Matt Downs in the 6th, who was at third base, and the second was by Scott Moore in the 7th, who was playing first base. Since the broadcast was on the radio it was hard to tell much else about the defense.

Pitching

13 hits, two errors contributed to 10 runs allowed by the Astros pitching staff. Every pitcher gave up at least one run with the exception of Henry Villar who pitched a scoreless seventh. Jordan Lyles started the game and went two innings allowing two earned runs. He was followed by Xavier Cedeno who struck out three but gave up a solo shot to Dan Uggla. Zach Duke went the loggest of any pitcher so far this Spring Training going three innings and allowing one run. He walked two and struck out none.

Things got interesting in the seventh when Rhiner Cruz, the Astros Rule 5 selection started the inning and failed to get an out. Four runs were allowed to score in the inning with three being charge to Cruz. He issued two walks and allowed two hits while striking out no one. Villar relieved Cruz and got through the rest of the seventh, allowing one hit. Juan Abreu and Enerio Del Rosario finished the game allowing a run each.

Tuesday's Game

Will not be televised but will be available on KBME 790, 12:05 p.m. CST against the New York Mets.