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Astros Drop Game Against Indians

Kori Ellis — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:49:41 +0000

The Houston Astros lost their spring training game on Thursday against the Cleveland Indians by a final score of 11-5. It was the third time the two teams have met this spring, with the Indians coming out victorious in two of the contests.

Ben Francisco was the offensive star for the Indians. The 26-year-old outfielder went 4-4 with two runs and two RBIs. C.C. Sabathia started the game for Cleveland and pitched three perfect innings while striking out three batters.

After falling into a 6-0 hole, the Astros rallied back in the fourth inning. Hunter Pence had a two-run single that helped Houston close the gap to 6-4 after the fourth. However, Beau Mills of the Indians hit a two-run homerun in the sixth to spark the Indians as they cruised to victory.

On Friday, the Astros go against the New York Yankees. Former Astro Andy Pettitte is schedule to start for the Yankees.

Post from: EveryJoe

Astros Drop Game Against Indians

Houston Astros Win Two Straight

Kori Ellis — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:54:37 +0000

After losing five of their first six spring training games, the Houston Astros are now on a two-game winning streak. The Astros now stand at 3-5 in spring training.

On Tuesday, the Astros won a slugfest against the Detroit Tigers. JR Towles, who some project to be the Astros’ opening day starting catcher, had a big day as Houston won 11-10. Towles went 3- 3 with three runs, four RBIs, two doubles and a homerun.

Today, Houston won 8-4 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Jose Cruz, Jr. was the offensive hero for the Astros. The playing DH, Cruz went 3-5 with one run and two RBIs.

Hunter Pence didn’t play against the Tigers as he had a day off. Against the Rays, Pence went 0-3 but he did have an RBI on a sacrifice.

The Astros play the Indians on Thursday.

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Win Two Straight

Houston Astros Spring Training Begins Thursday

Kori Ellis — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:44:33 +0000

On Thursday, the Houston Astros will begin spring training as they prepare for the first pitch of the 2008 baseball season. Pitchers and catchers report on Thursday, while next Tuesday is the date that position players report.

The top two catchers for the Astros in 2008 are expected to be J.R. Towles and Brad Ausmus. Towles joined the Astros at the end of the 2007 campaign and hit .375 in 14 games for Houston. The 38-year-old Ausmus is entering his tenth season as a member of the Astros.

Roy Oswalt headlines the pitchers this season for the Astros. Oswalt has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since he entered the big leagues in 2001. Wandy Rodriguez, Woody Williams and Brandon Backe are expected to join Oswalt in the starting rotation.

The bullpen is led by the newly-acquired Jose Valverde. Valverde, who led all of baseball in saves last season while with the Arizona Diamondbacks, will be the closer in 2008.

The Astros are holding their spring training in Kissimmee, Florida and will play their first spring training games on Feb. 28 against the Cleveland Indians.

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Spring Training Begins Thursday