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If there is anything to take from the Astros last week of play, it's that the manager wasn't the problem and a 50-year-old Roger Clemens won't be able to save this team. Most of us already knew that, but it's still worth noting.
Also worth mentioning: with the Stros being swept by the Cardinals in St. Louis this week, they became the first team since the 1943 Philadelphia A's to win seven games or fewer in a 50-game span, That's saying something for how bad the team is. just in case it's been a while since you've actually watched them play.
Houston laid an egg in the series opener against the Red Birds. This was about a combination of the Stros having to face Adam Wainwright with their pitiful lineup. Lucas Harrell has been consistent all season, but he barely had a chance in the opener as Houston fell, 7-0.
Things actually began to look up for the Stros in the second game. They even led 2-1 after four innings. But it was too good to be true. Maybe it took the Cardinals a while to get going, but eventually Jon Jay's RBI single, Bud Norris' wild pitch, and Yadier Molina's insurance run in the eighth inning stifled the Astros.
Dallas Keuchel continued his solid pitching in the finale, but the writing was on the wall for him the same way it was for his teammates leading up to Thursday night.
What we definitely know from the results we've seen all season, the Astros can fire Brad Mills, bring in Tony DeFrancesco, consider signing AARP eligible Roger Clemens, and none of it is going to make much of a difference.
Head over to The Crawfish Boxes for more Astros coverage, and be sure to visit Viva El Birdos for more Cardinals news. Also check out Baseball Nation for even more coverage from around the league.