Series Thread- Houston Astros vs Florida Marlins

[Porter]

Overview- The Astros are continuing to struggle after getting swept by the surging Atlanta Braves. The Marlins are coming off a 2-1 series won over the youthful and scrappy Colorado Rockies

Probable Starters

Today- Roger Clemens (1-1, 1.29) vs AJ Burnett (2-2, 2.72)
Expect a lot of strikeouts in this battle of young vs old. Clemens has been dominant that in his last start hes allowed 5 earned runs in his last 14 innings and his ERA balloned from 0.32 to 1.29. Thats just insane but also hes been consistent. In every game this season hes gone 7 innings, exactly. Burnett like Clemens has been very consistent as well. Having allowed 2 earned runs in every start but one this season. Hes has 2 complete games under his belt so we dont expect too much from the bullpen in this game.

Tomorrow- Brandon Backe (2-2, 6.81) vs Brian Moheler (1-1, 2.19)
The fact that Backe has more wins than Roger Clemens is quite disturbing. Hes not having the same success he had in the playoffs for the Astros. Brian Moheler is having the best stretch of his carrer. In his previous starts hes only allowed an earned run in both games. Backe has been tagged for more than 7 runs in 2 occasions this season already.

Wednesday- Roy Oswalt (4-3, 4.30) vs Dontrelle Willis (6-0, 1.07)
Dont you wish Willis and Clemens could go head to head this series. Willis has been the most dominant pitcher outside of Clemens, and thats even very arguable right now. Hes allowed more unearned runs (3) than earned runs (2). Four of his STARTS didnt have earned runs or any runs at that, TWO of those were CGs. Oswalt is kinda struggling for his standards this season. Hes been tagged for 2 hits an inning for his last 2 starts (20 H in 10 IP).

Players to Watch
Miguel Cabera- Currently hitting .376 with a team leading, 24 RBIs and 22 Runs scored. Its amazing that hes only 21 right now.

Craig Biggio- Had 7 RBIs last week and his currently hitting a team leading .313 with 3 HRs, 15 RBIs (2nd on team to Mike Lamb) and 4 SBs. Hes had a resurgence as of late.

Lance Berkman- Hes back after playing over the weekend. When will he be able to play full time is remained to be seen but the Stros need him in the lineup 100%

Outlook- I think the Marlins could sweep this series with the dominant pitching that they have. If the Astros can manage any hits, need less runs, vs the Marlins they may have a chance to win. Look out for Todays Game as it should be one of the matchups of the week.

[Witlon]

Astros @ Marlins


vs

Game Time: 7:00 PM Eastern

P I T C H I N G

Astros

Marlins

Roger Clemens

A.J. Burnett

ERA: 1.29 -- RECORD: 1-1

ERA: 2.72 -- RECORD: 3-2

L I N E U P S

Astros

Marlins

Wily Tavares, cf

Juan Pierre, cf

Craig Biggio, 2b

Luis Castillo, 2b

Mike Lamb, 1b

Carlos Delgado, 1b

Lance Berkman, lf

Miguel Cabrera, lf

Morgan Ensberg, 3b

Juan Encarnacion, rf

Jose Vizciano, ss

Paul Lo Duca, ca

Orlando Palmerio, rf

Mike Lowell, 3b

Brad Ausmus, ca

Alex Gonzalez, ss

Roger Clemens, sp

AJ Burnett, sp

[Porter]

W Taveras fouled out to second

[Porter]

Burnett with back to back full counts early

[Porter]

C Biggio singled to right center.

Biggio has been on fire lately.

[Porter]

M Lamb struck out swinging, 2 away

[Witlon]

Astros batting Top 1, facing AJ Burnett
W. Tavares fouled out to first.(L. Castillo)
C. Biggio singled to right center.
M. Lamb struck out swinging. (1st strikeout by A.J. Burnett)
L. Berkman struck out looking. (2nd strikeout by A.J. Burnett)

Notes: The Astros are 1-14 on the road this season, and have lost 11 in a row(on the road).

[Porter]

Another full count issued by Burnett who has 25 pitches already.

[Porter]

L Berkman struck out looking. 26 pitches, 2 Ks, effectively wild as usual for Burnett

End of Inning

Still Scoreless.

[Porter]

L Castillo grounded out to second.
J Pierre lined out to left

Pierre had a breakout game, can he continue it though. Ever get the feeling your posting alone.

[Witlon]

Bottom 1- Marlins batting facing Roger Clemens
J. Pierre flies out to deep left. (L. Berkman)
L. Castillo grounded to second. (C. Biggio- M. Lamb)
C. Delgado grounded to second. (C. Biggio- M. Lamb)

[Witlon]

L Castillo grounded out to second.
J Pierre lined out to left

Pierre had a breakout game, can he continue it though. Ever get the feeling your posting alone.

*burps* Posting alone makes the post nice and easy to read.

[Porter]

Damn, Clemens just needed 8 pitches to dispose of 3 good hitters in Castillo, Pierre and Delgado.

Hes just been dominant this year.

[Porter]

M Ensberg stole second.
M Ensberg walked

When did Ensberg start stealing bases?

[Porter]

J Vizcaino struck out swinging, M Ensberg to third on wild pitch by A Burnett

well AJ is still Effectively wild right now.