Live From Spring Training ’09: Astros vs. Reds

Astros win! Astros win! After winning the first game of the spring training season on February 25, the Astros came right back with a win in March recording a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds today. Russ Ortiz was the big story allowing one hit and no walks in 6 innings.

The Astros struck first in the second inning when the bottom four hitters in the batting order singled with two outs producing 2 runs. Lance Berkman stretched the lead to 4-0 in the 6th inning with his first homer of the spring, a towering drive down the right field line following a Darin Erstad double. Former Astro, Daryle Ward closed the gap to 4-2 with a double off Bud Norris in the 9th inning before Jeff Fulchino came in to retire the last two batters for the the Astros first save of the spring.

While the performance of Ortiz was impressive, the Cincinnati lineup was not. None of the Reds projected opening day lineup were on hand for the game. Ortiz mixed up his pitches and speeds and had excellent control after being a little high in the first inning. However, he recorded only two strikeouts. He appears to be the front runner to be the No. 5 starter. His remaining competitor for the position, Jose Capellan, one of the few bright spots in camp this spring, is scheduled to pitch tomorrow in Dunedin against Toronto.

• A lot of the buzz in the stands was about the signing of Pudge Rodriguez, which was officially announced today. He is expected to be on hand for the Game on Sunday.