Houston ended the 8 game losing streak that they were stuck on with a 4-3 victory over the surprising Tampa Bay Rays in game 1 of a scheduled 3 game set. The Astros now look at a 34-40 record but still sit in 5th place in the NL central.
The Astros had control of the entire game but the Rays made it interesting when they got a run in the 8th and 9th innings bringing the game closer then it was. Carlos Lee took the DH role in this one and was very effective. Lee went 2-for-4, both hits were doubles, with 2 RBI. He now has his batting average up to .278 with a total of 55 RBI. Lance Berkman recorded his 60th RBI of the year as he went 0-for-2 with 1 RBI and a run scored. The RBI was recorded as Berkman hit a sac fly. The final RBI came from Kaz Matsui who went 1-for-4 including a double with 1 RBI and a run scored. His batting average sits at .271 with 18 RBI.
Roy Oswalt was given the start and pitched a very effective game stopping the losing streak in its tracks. Oswalt went 7 and 2/3rds innings giving up 7 hits, 2 runs, all earned and 5 strike outs. He earned the win bringing his record to 6-7 with a 4.84 ERA. Doug Brocail came in for a hold and was given his 12 of the year pitching just 1/3rd inning. Jose Valverde came in to close out the game and did just that getting his 17th save of the season.
Houston looked good in this one and actually got production from both the hitters and pitchers. Both teams will meet again tomorrow for game 2.
