Astros- Valverde blows it, some injuries, and a look at the rest of the weekend

Valverde blew the save and the Astros lost a pitching duel 2-1 yesterday against the Reds. Ramon Hernandez hit a 2 run shot in the 9th, and then Cordero shut the door on the Astros. Berkman had the Astros only RBI on a bases loaded walk. We can’t squander opportunities like that! The Astros offense needs to be more productive with runners on if we are going to win games.

Tonight, Wandy Rodriguez squares up against Aaron Harang. Harang has looked brilliant so far, but Way-Rod is no slouch either and has had a good start to the 2009 season. I predict another tight game, a good one to watch if you are a fan of good pitching. Sadly, I don’t see the Astros winning it, as Harang has better stuff and the Reds offense is clicking better than Houston’s.

Tomorrow, Houston sends Felipe Paulino to the mound against Edinson Volqquez. Bit of a wild card here, as Paulino did not pitch at all last year, and has only started 3 games, all in 2007. Edinson had a breakout year last year, so this is going to be another tough one for the Astros.

Paulino is pitching because Moehler has a sprained knee. Reliever Dough Brocail also has an injury. The Astros are also in trouble in their infield. Newly aquired Jeff Keppinger left with a sore back, and Kaz Matsui was already out with an injury. Today we are starting Jason Smith at 2B. Smith started 22 games for the Royals last year and hit .214….not a good sign for an already struggling Astros offense.

Monday we throw Mike Hampton out against Bronson Aroyo. Hampton has pitched surprisingly well so far, so this should also be a close game, but I think we ultimately are going to get swept by Cinn. this series.

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