Houston Sweep Makes Four Straight!

Well, since last we chatted, the Sox closed out the Houston series by winning the last two games 10-4 and 2-1. The former was a close game until mid-game, when the Hose turned it up another notch and moved from a 5-3 lead to 9-3 in a single inning. They added the final run in their half of the 9th and gave up the final Stros tally in the bottom half. Hits were spread across the lineup with McDonald getting the big blow, a three run shot that basically put things out of reach. Three lineup regulars also went 3-5 each: Jake, The Dustman and Gonzo. With the Stripes also winning, the Bosox Boys remained 2.5 games to the rear.
That would change with today's finale. JB on the mound and facing someone with an ERA at game time well into the high four's.Sounds like an invitation to at least duplicate the day previous. However, that's why they play them. As things turned out, the Hose only collected a half dozen hits and were tied entering the top of the 9th. At that point, a form of normalcy returned. With one gone, Sutton pinch hit for JB and walked. He was moved over by Jake's base hit, after which The Dustman's fielder's choice had Sutton on 3d.Gonzo was intentionally walked, Houston figuring they'd rather chance things with Yooouuuk. Bad mistake, although not the way you might think. Although they'd chosen to pitch to him, they were a tad too careful and Yooouuukk ended up driving the winning run after all--with a sacks jammed walk. Hey! A run's a run--no matter how you get it. After the Sox half of the inning closed, the real close arrived in the form of The Laser. Pap came on and once again showed why, even if he isn't the Pap of 2007 or '08, he's not too far shy of that. In a total of 20 pitches, 13 of them strikes, he struck out the side, allowing a harmless single after the first two K's were in the books. With Pap, once you've given up K's to the first two batters, you know that a single is just delaying the inevitable. That final K is just waiting in the wings to jump up and bite you in the ass. Sure enough, Johnson strode to the plate, lifted his bat--and accepted his fate. Third K for The Laser--inning over, game over, series and sweep over! Good night, Houston. Please excuse our rush. We've got to get back to the Fens for tomorrow's game.