The Crawfish Boxes - Interleague Series: Houston Astros at Arizona Diamondbacks, June 9-12, 2014Astros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2014-06-13T03:21:02-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/55593792014-06-13T03:21:02-05:002014-06-13T03:21:02-05:00Altuve's X-Rays negative; Zeid Up and Owens down
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<img alt="A picture worth a thousand terrible words and curses. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n_VbH1d95XAddIaK7GuOEFzfQwc=/0x32:2988x2024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34286457/450528802.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A picture worth a thousand terrible words and curses. | Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Jose Altuve's X-Rays were negative after being hit by a pitch in Thursday's game. Rudy Owens has been optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City for Josh Zeid. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>' fanbase collectively held its breath after <span>Jose Altuve</span> was hit by a <span>Randall Delgado</span> 92-mph fastball in the seventh inning, Thursday. Houston has already had a few scares this season - <span>George Springer</span> tweaking his hip flexor in Anaheim, Delino DeShields being hit by a pitch in the face, and <span>Carlos Correa</span> getting hit on the hand by a pitch during Spring Training. Like the rest of these events, the Astros appear to have dodged a bullet. (Well if you count DeShields' grapefruit size knot on his face as dodging a bullet.) The X-r<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">ays</a> on Altuve's hand have come back negative, according to the <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2014/06/12/although-x-rays-were-negative-altuve-not-sure-if-hell-play-friday/#22102103=0&24145101=0">Houston Chronicle's Jose de Jesus Ortiz</a>. Bo Porter talked about the team's relief in hearing the news -</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The good news is that the x-rays are negative, which is a sigh of relief for all of us," manager Bo Porter said.</p>
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<p>Porter would go on to say Altuve is day-to-day, and is not expected to play Friday.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Astros have announced they have optioned <span>Rudy Owens</span> back to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and recalled reliever <span>Josh Zeid</span>. MLB.com's Brian McTaggart broke the news late Thursday night -</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>After the game, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> optioned LHP Rudy Owens to OKC. Josh Zeid is coming back up.</p>
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/477320365379579905">June 13, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">Owens wasn't used during this most recent stint with the Astros. He was called up to replace <span>Paul Clemens</span> on the roster on June 8. Owens, thought to be strictly a starter, may have been called up for a spot start in place of Scott Feldman. Feldman lasted only 1.2 innings in a start on June 7- showing signs of lowered velocity and control. But, Feldman made his scheduled start Thursday - giving up two earned runs over 6.1 innings.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Zeid was last with the Astros on May 23 since then has given up two runs over 6.1 innings (six appearances) of work with the RedHawks. He's given up zero runs over his last 4.2 innings of work while striking out seven and walking three.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/13/5806284/astros-news-altuves-x-rays-negative-zeid-up-and-owens-downRyan Dunsmore2014-06-13T02:43:58-05:002014-06-13T02:43:58-05:00Astros 5, D-backs 4: Mr. Carter steals the show
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>The Crawford Boxes giveth and they taketh away.</p> <p><span contenteditable="false" style="height: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; display: block; z-index: 9999; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 0px; line-height: 0px; position: absolute; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: dashed; border-top-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); -webkit-user-select: none; left: 0px; right: 0px; top: 516px;"><span contenteditable="false" style="width:0px;height:0px;padding:0px;margin:0px;display:block;z-index:9999;color:#fff;position:absolute;font-size: 0px;line-height:0px;height:17px;width:17px;right:17px;background:url(http://www.sbnation.com/javascripts/vendor/ckeditor/plugins/magicline/images/icon.png) center no-repeat #ff0000;cursor:pointer;top:-8px;-webkit-border-radius:2px;border-radius:2px" title="Insert paragraph here">↵</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The story coming into tonight's game was the appearance of rapper and star of Degrassi, Drake. The Toronto rapper has adopted Houston as a second home, and was hosting "Houston Appreciation Week" across the city. He kicked off the event at Minute Maid Park, addressing fans before the game and meeting with kids from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>' Urban Youth Academy. There was clear excitement from the players about the prospect of meeting the popular rapper (who has a Astros Star-H tattooed <a href="http://www.khou.com/entertainment/Drake-shows-off-Astros-tattoo-on-Instgram-232691421.html">on his shoulder</a>), and the electricity of the event translated to an exciting game tonight.</p>
<p>The Astros jumped out to an early 4-1 lead by the fourth inning against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>. The Astros offense was lead by Jon Singleton, who drove in a run on a sac-fly in the first. The next time at bat he hit a towering upper deck home run to put the Astros up two. Now for some highlights with Drake, because winning baseball makes me do silly things.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://vine.co/v/MjQI9aX0dwx/embed/simple" width="320"></iframe></p>
<div style="text-align: left;">Of course, Tim had a much better gif for the homer from Singleton.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4608499/SingletonHR.gif" style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank"><img alt="Singletonhr_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4608499/SingletonHR_medium.gif"></a></div>
<p>When <span>Carlos Corporan</span> tomahawked a tight fastball from <span>Wade Miley</span> into the Crawford Boxes in the fourth, little did we know that would be a theme for the night. Another theme was diving catches from <span>George Springer</span>, who made a catch to rob <span>Chris Owings</span> of a hit in the fifth. Springer made another tremendous diving catch on a <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span><span>Martin Prado</span> line drive in the eighth. Then, Springer doubled up Paul </span>Goldschmidt at second. Time for another Drake highlight - </font></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://vine.co/v/MjQFpVhxWPr/embed/simple" width="320"></iframe><script src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Chris Owings chipped away at the Astros' lead with a home run in the seventh to make the game 4-3 Astros. Owing's home run ended the night for Scott Feldman. Feldman went 6 1/3 innings, giving up two earned runs on four hits - striking out six.</p>
<p>The fun appeared to stop in the seventh as <span>Jose Altuve</span> squared to bunt and was hit by a pitch in the hand. Fearing the worst, every sign pointed to a major injury. But, it was later reported x-rays were negative for a break.</p>
<p>The Astros sent out <span>Chad Qualls</span> for the save in the ninth, <span>Miguel Montero</span> greeted him with a first-pitch home run into the Crawford Boxes. The home run broke Qualls 16 2/3 scoreless innings streak. Qualls retired the side to send the game to the bottom of the ninth. That's where Matt Dominguez grounded into his second double play of the night to give the fans free baseball tonight, capping off a 0-5 night with three strikeouts and two double plays.</p>
<p>After Tony Sipp had a clean tenth inning (minus a catcher's interference), the Astros sent <span>Chris Carter</span> to bat. Carter turned on his fifth straight fastball from <span>J.J. Putz</span> and slipped right into the Crawfish Boxes for the win. Party time -</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://vine.co/v/MjQUWg9Fq0d/embed/simple" width="320"></iframe><script src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4609865/tumblr_mi14v4Gpm11rqkjmno1_500.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Tumblr_mi14v4gpm11rqkjmno1_500_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4609865/tumblr_mi14v4Gpm11rqkjmno1_500_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Enough Drake madness. Safe to say Astros baseball is fun again. They take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> for a three game set over Father's Day weekend. The Rays currently have the worse winning percentage in baseball (.373).</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/13/5805992/astros-5-d-backs-4-10-mr-carter-steals-the-show-with-drake-in-theRyan Dunsmore2014-06-12T19:10:02-05:002014-06-12T19:10:02-05:00Game Thread for D'backs No. 4
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<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as Houston tries to finish off its series with the Diamondbacks.</p> <h3>
<a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> (30-37) vs. <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> (29-39)</h3>
<p><strong>TV: </strong>CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br><strong>Radio:</strong> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><strong>Diamondbacks SBNation Blog: </strong><a href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">AZ Snake Pit</a></p>
<h4>Pitching Matchup</h4>
<p>RHP <span>S</span>cott Feldman (3-4, 4.12 ERA) vs. RHP <span>W</span>ade Miley (3-6, 4.57 ERA)</p>
<p><strong>Lineups</strong></p>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table cellspacing="0" class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS</th> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Didi Gregorius - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Dexter Fowler - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Gerardo Parra - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Jose Altuve - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">P. Goldschmidt - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name">George Springer - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Martin Prado - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name">J. Singleton - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Miguel Montero - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Matt Dominguez - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Aaron Hill - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Chris Carter - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Chris Owings - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Robbie Grossman - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">David Peralta - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Carlos Corporan - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Ender Inciarte - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Henry Villar - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Wade Miley - LHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Scott Feldman - RHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/12/5803374/gamethread-for-arizona-diamondbacks-at-houston-astros-jun-12-2014-7David Coleman2014-06-12T18:00:07-05:002014-06-12T18:00:07-05:00Game Preview: D'Backs No. 4
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Scott Feldman hopes to bounce back against the Diamondbacks.</p> <p>Once again, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> find themselves in position to sweep a mini-series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>. On Thursday, Houston will attempt to win for the fourth time in the last five games. <span>Scott Feldman</span> gets the start, hoping to even his record of 3-4 on the season. </p>
<p>Feldman has gotten rocked in his last two starts, but has had success against Arizona in the past. Tonight will mark the fifth time Feldman has started against the Diamondbacks in his career. His last start, in August 2013, saw Feldman throw 5 1/3 innings with two runs (one earned). Feldman still has a lower ERA in 2014 than his career ERA of 4.59, but needs to pick up his strikeout rate. So far, he's only struck out 27 in 54 innings this season.</p>
<p>He should be supported by the offense, which contains the very hot Chris Carter. In his last 13 games,Carter has six home runs and a .743 slugging percentage. Wednesday marked his fifth career multi-homer game and gives him two in 2014. Meanwhile, <span>Dexter Fowler</span> leads the American League with a .431 on-base percentage since April 18 while hitting .304 in 184 at-bats. For the season, Fowler is third in on-base percentage and tied for third in walks.</p>
<p>Closer Chad Qualls extended his streak Wednesday, throwing 17 2/3 scoreless innings. The streak began on April 19 and has been over 19 appearances. Qualls has gone 7-for-7 in that stretch in save opportunities and has the third-longest active scoreless streak in the majors. He's been a big reason why the Astros bullpen has turned around so dramatically in the past month, though he's gotten less attention than <span>Tony Sipp</span> or <span>Jerome Williams</span> (ducks!).</p>
<p>Today, Qualls tweeted this out about his inning against the Diamondbacks Wednesday night: </p>
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<p>I sat <span>Paul Goldschmidt</span> on a groundout last night rather than a K to keep the pitch count low and save my arm for October <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamFirst&src=hash">#TeamFirst</a></p>
— Quallsy (@Qualls50) <a href="https://twitter.com/Qualls50/statuses/477130850556198912">June 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/12/5803432/astros-vs-diamondbacks-game-preview-for-series-finaleDavid Coleman2014-06-11T18:53:54-05:002014-06-11T18:53:54-05:00Altuve not in Astros lineup today
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<figcaption>Scott Halleran</figcaption>
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<p>The Astros' iron Man, Jose Altuve, has been given a day of rest by Bo Porter.</p> <p>There will never be another one like Cal Ripken Jr., but most teams have one player that turns heads when they aren't in the lineup. For the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>, that's <span>Jose Altuve</span>. The spark plug at the top of the lineup has been a fixture since he was called up in 2011. He has played all 66 games thus far in 2014, the only other Astro to match this feat is <span>Matt Dominguez</span> at 65 games. The last time Altuve sat out a game was August 2nd against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> last season.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Altuve says he tweaked left oblique swinging bat Tuesday. He wants to play, saying "I'm going to try to change it." Not sure he was joking.</p>
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/476823796729397248">June 11, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The former All-Star, appears to be on track for his second mid-summer classic appearance. He leads the league in hits with 88, and leads the American League with 24 stolen bases. He leads the Astros in hits (88), doubles (20), and stolen bases (24).</p>
<p><span>Marwin Gonzalez</span> will get the start as Altuve rests in oblique, but is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/11/5801878/altuve-not-in-astros-lineup-todayRyan Dunsmore2014-06-11T04:23:26-05:002014-06-11T04:23:26-05:00D-backs 4, Astros 1: Astros fail to match Peacock
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Houston gets solid outing from Brad Peacock, Astros' offense fail to match.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> are a different team, or at least they are playing like a different team from earlier this season. The April version of the Astros had a few calling cards - low run totals, errors in the field, and the bullpen wasting strong starting pitching. This version hasn't been seen around these parts over the last twenty days or so. But, it reappeared on Tuesday in the desert.</p>
<p><span>Brad Peacock</span> was solid today, holding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> to three hits over six innings. He allowed one run the game, <span>Paul Goldschmidt</span> deposited a Peacock fastball into the pool beyond the right field fence. An event that can happen to the best pitchers. <span>Josh Fields</span> replaced Peacock in the seventh, and proceeded to give up a triple to Martin Prado. The Diamondbacks took the lead with an <span>Aaron Hill</span> sac fly. Arizona was gifted an extra out in the inning after a Jonathan Villar's error allowed <span>Ender Inciarte</span> to reach base. Ender would later score on a pinch-hit <span>Cody Ross</span> double. <span>Kyle Farnsworth</span> allowed the D-Backs' forth run as a result of doubles from Goldschmidt and Hill.</p>
<p>The Astros were foiled by the lead singer of Nickelback today...er I mean Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo held the Astros to one run over seven innings - six hits allowed, two walks, and five strikeouts. The Astros' score came as a result of a lead-off double from Jon Singleton and <span>Matt Dominguez</span> single. The Astros were 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left five runners on base.</p>
<p>The old tune of no runs, errors, and bullpen runs equaled a loss for the Astros. But, Houston has a chance for redemption against the Diamondbacks. The Astros start another two-game series against Arizona this time in Houston.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/11/5799566/d-backs-4-astros-1-astros-fail-to-match-peacocks-strutRyan Dunsmore2014-06-10T14:00:07-05:002014-06-10T14:00:07-05:00Game Preview for D'Backs No. 2
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<figcaption>Scott Halleran</figcaption>
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<p>What can Houston expect for this series finale in Arizona?</p> <p>This is a weird situation Houston finds itself in. Technically, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> are ending this series with Arizona. But, they pick up with a two games set Wednesday against...the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>. That's why I'm treating this entire week as a four-game series with the Snakes. Makes life easier.</p>
<p>The big thing about last night's victory over Arizona was it snapped a long losing streak Houston had against the Snakes. Houston had previously lost nine straight to the Diamondbacks, the longest active losing streak the club had to any one team. It was also the first time Houston played Arizona since 2012. </p>
<p>Oh, you want more? Well, with the victory last night, Houston has now won eight of its last nine road games and have the best road record in the majors over the last month. Since May 11, Houston has gone 18-10 and has the best record in the AL West in that span. </p>
<p>Do you know what's even more amazing? If Houston wins today, they'll move to 8-10-3 in series this season. That means by next week, they could have won as many series as they've lost. Is there a better stat to encapsulate just how improved this Astros team has played over the previous three seasons?</p>
<p><span>Brad Peacock</span> gets the start. The Astros have won each of Peacock's last three starts and the right-hander has a 3.77 ERA in road games this season. he's struck out 53 in 56 innings this season with 31 walks. This will be his first start at Chase Field.</p>
<p>He'll be opposed by Bronson Arroyo, who's roughly 57 years old. Arroyo signed with the D'Backs for two years, $23.5 million in the offseason. Since then, he's gone 5-4 in 74 innings with a 4.50 ERA. His ERA is about half a run higher than it was last year in Cincinnati, but his peripherals are all in line with his last three or four seasons. He won't strike out a ton of batters, but he also won't walk a ton. </p>
<p>I'll leave you with one bit of trivia: <span>Tony Sipp</span> became the third Astros pitcher to make an appearance in the outfield. Name the other two.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/10/5796910/game-preview-astros-at-diamondbacks-no-2David Coleman2014-06-10T03:21:12-05:002014-06-10T03:21:12-05:00Astros 4, D-backs 3: Porter goes on a vision quest
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bo Porter reaches a new level of managerial understanding after wandering the National League desert. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> 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 <span>Brad Mills</span>, 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.</p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Diamondbacks</a>. You will learn, pilgrim." - with that Wayne faded away.</p>
<p>Porter shook the event off as a fever dream, and went about setting his lineup. He had to make a late switch as <span>George Springer</span> was scratched for knee soreness. Porter watched as the Astros jumped out to an early lead, 2-0 in the first on a <span>Matt Dominguez</span> sac fly and Diamondbacks fielding error. <span>Jose Altuve</span> and <span>Jason Castro</span> each doubled in the second to give the Astros their final two runs for the game.</p>
<p><span>Jarred Cosart</span> posted another quality start tonight, holding the D-Backs to three runs over six innings. It could have been even less, as <span>Robbie Grossman</span> and <span>Dexter Fowler</span> each misplayed a ball in the outfield that led to a run.</p>
<p>John Wayne returned to Bo Porter in the eighth inning, he whispered into Porter's ear "it's time for your test, pilgrim". <span>Tony Sipp</span> 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 <span>Paul Goldschmidt</span>. "Now, I can put Sipp back in. Tony LaRussa would be so proud," Porter mumbled under his breath. Sipp would strike out <span><span>Miguel Montero</span>, and be replaced. </span></p>
<p>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.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/10/5796032/astros-4-d-backs-3-bo-porter-and-the-astros-go-on-a-vision-questRyan Dunsmore