=== Houston Astros Team Report - June 16 === (My Sportsbook) - Ever since the Astros posted their now infamous six-man no hitter at Yankee Stadium, things have gone down hill for them. Houston has lost four straight contests, including a 3-2 loss to Boston in 14 innings on Sunday. Richard Hidalgo finished 3-for-5 with a two-run homer in the losing effort. Lance Berkman, Orlando Merced and Geoff Blum each collected two hits for the Astros, who lost their fourth straight and fifth in six tries. Houston is one game behind Central-leading Chicago. Nate Bland (1-2) took the loss after allowing the leadoff single to Todd Walker. He pitched two-plus innings and gave up just that one hit and run. Houston's bullpen was impressive in the loss overall, giving up just one run in 7 1/3 innings of work. Starter Wade Miller pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and two runs in a no-decision. Miller walked and struck out two apiece in the contest. The Astros will continue their season on Tuesday with the first of a three- game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Houston has six of its next nine contests versus Arizona. In the series opener, the Astros will go with righthander Jeriome Robertson on the mound. Robertson has won three consecutive decisions despite back-to-back no-decisions in the last week-plus. Last time on the hill, Robertson gave up seven hits and four runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Yankees. He walked three and struck out two. Robertson will be facing the Diamondbacks for the first time in his career. This season, Robertson has tallied a 2-1 mark with a 5.81 ERA in six home outings. The Arizona series will be the only home set during this stretch which includes 12 of 15 on the road. |
