4 Games Back

And just like that, the Astros are again within 4 games of the Wild Card lead... and just like that, the season is alive again.  The Astros finished off their road trip taking 3 out of 4 from the Pittsburgh Pirates.  After dropping the 1st game in the series, the Astros came back with a vengeance winning the next 3, and stomping the Pirates 13-1 in the last game of their road trip. 

Hirsh was great, earning his 2nd win of his career, going 7 innings, with 5 hits, 1 run, 2 walks and 2 K's to bring his pathetic ERA down to 8.53.  Berkman hit his team leading 36th home run of the season with 4 RBI's bringing his total up to 110. 

This next week is going to be a very important and tough week for the Astros.  After an off day today(Monday), the Astros take on the Brewers for 3 and then the Mets for 3(I'll be at the game Sunday, so expect pictures!).  We've got to win both of these series...  Hopefully the offensive production the Astros showed against the Pirates last night will be a glimpse of what they'll do for the rest of the season. 

After destroying us on Tuesday 14-0, the Reds have lost 4 out of 5 to help the Astros get back in the Wild Card race.  They now head to the Dodgers and then the Padres for 3 each this week with an off day on Thursday.  Hopefully the Dodgers/Padres will beat up on the reds some more and help the Astros get back into this.