The Astros evened up the series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday with a 4-3 victory. The win ties the series at 2 games a piece and both teams will look forward to game 3 on Saturday. Houston is now 28-22 keeping them in the hunt for the NL Central.
Hunter Pence had a great game for Houston going 2-for-4 with 2 homers, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. The homers bring his total to 7 for the season and his RBI now stand at 29. He also bumped his BA up a bit making it a strong .294. Michael Bourn also had a solid game for the ‘Stros going 1-for-4 with 1 RBI. The RBI is his 9th of the season and his batting average is now at a weak .215.
Brandon Backe was given the start for his ball club and had a solid afternoon. Backe worked 7 1/3rd innings allowing 6 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and 6 Ks. He earned the win for Houston bringing his record to 4-5 this season and his ERA is at 4.19. Doug Brocail picked up his 9th hold of the season going 2/3rd inning striking out 1 in the process. Jose Valverde came in to close out the game and did just that getting his 15th save of the season striking out a batter in his 1 inning of work.
A strong win for the ‘Stros as they continue to climb to the top of the NL Central. They will try to take game 3 against the Phils on Saturday night.
