Astros Strike Early, Survive Late In 9-8 Win Over
Cardinals

post from The Crawfish Boxes on 06 June 2012 12:01:45 AM. © The Crawfish Boxes

HOUSTON,TX-JUNE 05: Shortstop Jed Lowrie #4 of the Houston Astros throws from the ground in the third inning on an infield single by Allen Craig of the St. Louis Cardinals on June 5, 2012 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Cardinals got on the board first with a run in the first, but the Astros matched that, added three and piled on from there. The Astros were held scoreless in only the third, fifth and eighth innings and while the pitching staff pitched well overall Lucas Harrell and David Carepenter, at times, struggled to get batters out.

Pitching

Lucas Harrell started the game and didn't have his best effort, however, the offense showed up this evening to cover up some of his mistakes. In six innings Harrell allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits, zero walks and one strikeout. Wesley Wright and Wilton Lopez followed with perfect innings that included a strikeout. David Carpenter came on in the ninth, got one out and then allowed two runs to score. He would be replaced by Brett Myers who came on with a save opportunity.and a man on, gave up a two run shot.

Myers then got Carlos Beltran to pop-out, walked Matt Holliday, before getting Allen Craig to ground out to short for his 14th save of the season.

Defense

Jose Altuve made an error and no one really made a highlight real defensive play to speak of.

Hitting

For Pick 6 I typically flip-flop Jed Lowrie and Jose Altuve, only I seem to be doing it wrong. Tonight I picked Lowrie and Altuve decided to go off with four hits in five at bats, with three runs scored. Justin Maxwell, J.D. Martinez, Chris Johnson, Brett Wallace and Chris Snyder all had multiple hits.

Offensive highlights included Altuve's four hit night, a Justin Maxwell's bomb and a Brian Bogusevic's bomb (gifs provided after the jump).