The Astros played 3 games this weekend having a split squad game on Saturday against the Braves and Nationals and also having a game on Sunday afternoon against the Mets. They posted a 1-2 record over these three games making their total spring training record 5-8.
Saturday’s first game showcased the ‘Stros vs. the Atlanta Braves. Wandy Rodriguz was given the start for Houston and had a very impressive game going 4 strong innings giving up only 3 hits, 1 run and striking out 5. He earned the win for the Astros with a final score of 7 - 5. Right fielder Hunter Pence also had a very good game going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI and a triple in the 5th. Houston had 4 different players with doubles which constantly kept players in scoring position. This was a strong game for the Astros but it was the only win they had over the weekend.
The second game of the Saturday split squad games produced a lot of offense for both teams combining for 28 hits total. Felipe Paulino got the start for Houston and had a shaky outing going 3 innings deep giving up 4 hits, 5 runs, walked 4, and gave up 2 homers. Carlos Lee hit his second home run of spring training in the 3rd inning off Washington starter Tim Redding. Lee went 1-for-3 with 1 RBI and a run scored. Kaz Matsui had the most impressive game for Houston going 3-for-3 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. Catcher Brad Ausmus also had a good game going 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored. The offense was strong for Houston but the Nationals was a little bit better finishing the game with 12 runs. Final score 12 - 10.
The final game of the weekend featured Houston facing the New York Mets. The Astros couldn’t get the bats going in this one against Mets starter John Maine only putting together 3 hits for the game. The only bright spot of the game for Houston was the solid showing of starter Jack Cassel pitching 3 innings with 4 hits, 2 runs, and he K’d 3. He was given the loss for the game bringing his spring training record to 1-1. The lack of hitting showed in the final score which was 3 - 0.
Next up: Houston’s at home and will give ace Roy Oswalt the start against equally impressive Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays on Monday at 1:05.
