Live From Spring Training ’09: Astros vs. Mets

Break up the Astros! Houston extended its winning streak to 5 games, and former President, Bush 41 extended his streak to 2 games as the Astros pinned a convincing defeat on the Mets No. 2 starter, Mike Pelfrey, 8-0. Wandy Rodriguez and 5 relievers shut out the Mets lineup which was almost devoid of players who will be in the lineup on opening day. But the big story was the Astro bats that followed up yesterday’s 13 hit attack with 12 more today.

Lance Berkman continued to swing a good bat with 2 solid singles, one of which drove in the first run. Ivan Rodriguez brought President Bush to his feet with a long home run in the 5th inning. The Astros scored 5 more runs in the inning with the big blow a 3-run double by Geoff Blum, possibly inspired by his 4 little girls sitting directly behind me shouting, “Hi, Daddy”. Pelfrey was relieved by lefty Pedro Feliciano who was promptly greeted by Michael Bourn’s line single that got by right fielder, Bobby Kielty as Bourn circled the bases.

To round out a strong overall performance, the Astros turned 4 double plays, all of which ended innings.

• A tougher task faces the Astros tomorrow when they travel to Jupiter to face the Cardinals with Russ Ortiz, coming off a strong performance last Friday, facing Joel Piniero.