Astros 4, D-backs 3: Bo Porter and the Astros go on a vision quest

The Astros have won 11 of their last 15 games, and Bo Porter wondered what he could do next to reach a higher level of understand as a manager. He had reached the level of Brad Mills, a manager for more than one season. Porter wasn't satisfied with this. We wanted to be a manager of a winning baseball team. Just as the thought crossed Bo's mind, the specter of John Wayne appeared. "Bo. You must go on a National League vision quest, pilgrim," said Wayne.

Baffled but curious, Porter wondered if he had dozed off on the team flight. Had someone slipped him some peyote? "I'm not a dream, pilgrim," boomed Wayne. "You must learn the ways on the National League so you can become whole as a manager. Go to the desert, face the Diamondbacks. You will learn, pilgrim." - with that Wayne faded away.

Porter shook the event off as a fever dream, and went about setting his lineup. He had to make a late switch as George Springer was scratched for knee soreness. Porter watched as the Astros jumped out to an early lead, 2-0 in the first on a Matt Dominguez sac fly and Diamondbacks fielding error. Jose Altuve and Jason Castro each doubled in the second to give the Astros their final two runs for the game.

Jarred Cosart posted another quality start tonight, holding the D-Backs to three runs over six innings. It could have been even less, as Robbie Grossman and Dexter Fowler each misplayed a ball in the outfield that led to a run.

John Wayne returned to Bo Porter in the eighth inning, he whispered into Porter's ear "it's time for your test, pilgrim". Tony Sipp retired the first batter he faced in the eighth. The vision came to Bo - 'put Sipp in right field'. No double switch, no simple pitcher change, but put Sipp in right. "It'll show'em I know the National League", said Porter. Jerome Williams took Sipp's spot on the mound and Sipp bumped Robbie Grossman to the bench. Williams walked Paul Goldschmidt. "Now, I can put Sipp back in. Tony LaRussa would be so proud," Porter mumbled under his breath. Sipp would strike out Miguel Montero, and be replaced.

The Astros would complete the victory. Bo Porter felt satisfied with his quest, he felt ready to face the world with a new managerial understanding.  As Porter left Chase Field, he saw a ghostly shape ride off into an Astros' tequila sunrise.