Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles - Game #94 - Russ Ortiz vs. Hiroki Kuroda - 7-19-09

Dear Hiroki;

Please go at least 7 innings today. I can't take more hand-wringing over the bullpen.

Thanks;
MSTI

Being in the Houston blackout area, I'll be stuck with the Astros feed on MLB EI. Last night Jim Deshaies, the Astro analyst, referred to Casey Blake as "The Most Interesting Man in the World". Actually he kind of botched the order, but he referenced the beer commercial. He also said they call him "Burger King", from the plastic headed bearded commercial dude. Of further entertainment value, at one point he tried to say "fat part of the bat", but said "fat pat" and then "FART part" and then "try to say that fast".

These guys whine and cry about every close play that doesn't go their way. Sure they got a bad call in the eighth, but Bourn was out stealing second by a foot and a half and was called safe and all they said was "close play". When Pierre clearly beat out the dp play, it wasn't even replayed.

Anyway, the mute button may be in effect today, unless we get off to a big lead, and then the whining has some entertainment value.

BluePastorKyle:

Well, this sucks. Why in the world - when I've been able to watch (had I been here) all three other games in this series, would EI black out this one in Tucson???????????????????????????

BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel your pain, Pastor. Only because it's being televised on the Houston sports channel am I getting to see it.

First half inning report, Bourne reaches on E6, SB, Keppinger 6-3, Tejada 6-3, Lee BB, Blum F9.

Bottom of one, Furcal lines out to 6, Hudson U3 on a bunt attempt, and Manny K's on a 3-2 pitch.
Houston has Coste, a catcher playing first, so that was a good thought by O-Dog, but not great execution.

TheAntiGiant:

I feel bad for you guys, but so you know, Vinny is sounding especially good this afternoon.

Thanks, Mark, way to rub it in. I'm listening to The Whiners led by Mush Mouth Deshaies. Thumb on the mute button.

Kuroda works around a double by stero I-Rod to get out of the top of 2. Still 0-0.

TheAntiGiant:

Well, I had to pass it on as Dann called an hour ago from the Stadium to rub it in on me. Tell you what, I'd rather be sitting at home in the AC than be the ballpark in this heat. Man, it's hot and humid here today!

Nice AB by Blake to run up Ortiz' pitch count a little before striking out.

The Lastros' announcers made a point of saying it was hotter at Dodger Stadium today than it is in Houston.

0-0 after two, six up and six down against Ortiz. Kuroda's pitch count was not good in the first two innings. I know he was around 25 in the first, and didn't get the count in the second. He is not getting the outside corner, and just gave up a leadoff double.

TX dodger:

I have had that same issue all series. I live in Fort Worth but am always blacked out even on MLB TV. thankfully I have been able to watch on the FS alternate channels. Why are we blacked out when they are on the road?

I guess the sponsors know that only the most rabid of Astro fans would watch Bill Brown over Vin Scully.

Well, too bad Russ Ortiz is thus far channeling Russ Ortiz circa 2000, and Kuroda is channeling Billz circa Friday night. 3-0 them.

That'll work too

Nice AB Furcal! At least get wood on it!

Jeez! Furcal and Hudson can't plate Ausmus from 3rd with only one out! Nice effort guys!

BluePastorKyle:

Thanks Mark! Arg....

You aint missin' much.

SamAdams:

Damn, Loney. A four hopper in the 5.5 hole and you're out at first on the double play by a full step. Carrying a piano is one thing, but he stopped to play it.

You ever notice that when he's not happy with the way the ball leaves his bat he just doesn't bother putting much effort into running it out? He just puts his head down in disgust and drags himself to first.

Looked like Hudson might have hurt his wrist on that one.

TX dodger:

I have had that same issue all series. I live in Fort Worth but am always blacked out even on MLB TV. thankfully I have been able to watch on the FS alternate channels. Why are we blacked out when they are on the road?

Regarding the blackout rules - which, I agree, are stupid - it makes no difference whatsoever whether the team is home or away.

Mike Scioscias tragic illness:

Regarding the blackout rules - which, I agree, are stupid - it makes no difference whatsoever whether the team is home or away.

What is crazy is that the local team is the Strangers. It's not like I am going to drive 5 hours to Houston to watch my non local team play. Hell I only went to one Stranger game this year and it was to see the Dodgers.