Even with all the Astros' missed opportunities in their series opener against the Padres, Houston was still in somewhat of an ideal situation to win on Monday night. Chris Johnson was at the plate with Brian Bogusevic on base and two outs in the 10th inning, down by one run. Johnson had two hits already, certainly the guy you'd want at the plate in that particular scenario, considering Bogusevic's athleticism.
There was no better late-game moment the Stros could ask for, aside from maybe having the extra runs left hanging in the balance from three consecutive innings of flagrantly missed opportunities. It's bad enough they left 12 runners on base through the first six innings alone, but in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings, the Stros managed to leave the bases loaded, perhaps the strangest event that will happen in this series.
On the bright side, though, everyone had a hit except Bogusevic (somebody has to go without a hit, right?). Jason Castro was a beast. Carlos Lee went yard. J.D. Martinez added to his RBI total and so did Jed Lowrie.
I noted beforehand that having Brian Bixler in the lineup could be a good thing, since he was batting .500 against Padres starter Ross Ohlendorf for his career. Turns out putting him in the leadoff spot proved to be an odd stroke of genius, or at least that's how Zachary Levine framed it.
There was really a lot to feel good about in this one, aside from losing at home to the Padres and handing them just their 11th road win of the season.
And leaving all those runners on base. It was good other than that. Really, it was.
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