Astros 2 Pirates 1

After three days of Oswalt, Pettite, and Clemens the Astros pitcher that shut us down the most was Brandon freaking Backe who held us to 2 hits and one run over 7 innings. One of those hits was a Craig Wilson homer, which kept us in things. Brad Lidge came in in the 8th (that's how important these games were to the 'Stros) and overcame his Jack Wilson problem, getting him to ground out with the tying run on second, then pitching a scoreless ninth. Duke pitched well but got the Roger Clemens treatment in taking his second loss ever. I have things to say about the first three games of the series, but I need some time to put together the thoughts.

Also, someone needs to tell Pete Mackanin that batting Rob Mackowiak fourth is a poor decision. And that Brad Eldred guy should be starting. All the time.