Cubs-Astros: Houston Loses Game Three and First Series to Chicago, 11-6

Brian Moehler was pulled after one-and-two-third innings and seven earned runs. 

Moehler didn’t get any breaks as the Cubs had at least three broken bat singles in the first.  Those days will happen. 

Russ Ortiz came in and immediately gave up a three-run shot to Ryan Theriot.  Although the line won't show it, Russ pitched well with six Ks in his first outing since 2007.

The story for tonight, other than Chicago scoring four runs in both the first and second inning, was the bats for Houston. 

Jeff Keppinger "J-Kepp," Lance Berkman, Kazuo Matsui, and Hunter Pence all hit solo shots, with Pudge Rodriguez hitting a two-run shot as well to account for five home runs and all Houston runs tonight. 

Matsui 1-5, HR, RBI, R
Keppinger 2-5, HR, RBI, R
Berkman 1-4, HR, RBI, R, K
Lee 1-4, 2B, first hit for Lee
Tejada 1-4, R
Pence 2-4, HR, 2B, R, RBI
Pudge 2-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Bourn 1-4, K

Good News

Houston’s offense was looking better with the five home runs. Russ Ortiz pitched well, though he gave up three runs.  Carlos Lee got his first hit and Bourn continues to hit.  J-Kepp is proving to be a great pick up and seems as though he can do no wrong. Hunter Pence two homers in two games and is swinging the bat well. Michael Bourn will head to St. Louis with a three-game hitting streak.

Bad News

Obvious here, Moehler only pitched 1.66 innings.  He didn’t pitch poorly, but the Cubs were putting the ball in play and getting hits. It will be interesting to see how Moehler bounces back.

Pitching Lines

Brian Moehler 1 2/3 IP, 8 hits, BB, K, HBP, seven earned
Russ Ortiz 3 IP, 4 hits, 4 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, three earned
Chris Sampson 1 1/3 IP, 1 hit, zero earned
Geoff Geary 1 IP, 1 hit, 1 K, zero earned
Wesley Wright 1 IP, 1 hit, 1 K, zero earned
Doug Brocail 1 IP, 1 hit, 1 HR, 1 BB, one earned

Ted Lilly gives up four bombs and gets the win (1-0)
Brian Moehler takes the loss (0-1)

Houston is off tomorrow but will travel to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals Friday with Mike Hampton facing Joel Pineiro.