=== Houston Astros Team Report - August 9 === (My Sportsbook) - On Friday, Jeriome Robertson worked into the seventh to earn his first victory in three starts and lead Houston to a 5-1 win over Montreal in the first of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. Robertson (11-5) permitted one unearned run and five hits in 6 1/3 innings for the Astros, who have won five of their last nine. They lead the NL Central by 2 1/2 games over the Chicago Cubs, who lost to Los Angeles. Brad Lidge and Octavio Dotel combined for 2 2/3 shutout innings to clinch the victory. Dotel worked the final two frames. Houston will pin its hopes tonight on 31-year-old righthander Jared Fernandez, who will be making just his second start of the season. In his season debut on Sunday, Fernandez allowed one run and three hits over 5 1/3 frames in beating the Florida Marlins. Fernandez will be making his third appearance against the Expos, but his first start. He has allowed two hits in two scoreless innings against Montreal. Jeff Bagwell has 407 career home runs, tying him with Duke Snider for 34th on the all-time list. Craig Biggio recorded his 1,000th career walk. Bagwell has hit 12 homers in his last 25 games. The Astros, who are 55-2 this season when leading after eight innings, own a 35-22 mark at home. |
