Moehler: Wins his fifth.
(c) Associated Press
|
The Astros are up to five consecutive quality starts after Brian Moehler handcuffed the Padres Wednesday night in a 7-1 victory. He allowed four hits over six innings, one of them a solo homer to catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, while fanning eight. Jeff Fulchino and LaTroy Hawkins worked the final three frames to secure the win.
Houston was no-hit for seven of the first eight innings but that one other inning made all the difference. In the fourth, consecutive one-out singles by Miguel Tejada, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee tied the game. Geoff Blum's single plated Berkman then, with two away and the bases full, Kaz Matsui's infield single upped the margin to 3-1.
Then came the play of the night. Moehler tapped to third baseman Chase Headley who threw wildly to first. When right fielder Will Venable chased the ball down, his throw back also misfired as three Astros crossed the plate. Matt Kata added a sacrifice fly in the ninth for the final run.
The Astros next try to snap an 0-for-6 skid during the season when being two games below .500. They'll send Wandy Rodriguez (6-6) to the mound for the 2:35 Central start Thursday against Kevin Correia (5-5), who has won four of his last five starts.
|