In a season that has been littered with blown saves by the Astros bullpen, they finally got to see how the other half lives. With a Carlos Lee double, a Chris Johnson double, a Jason Michaels single, some help from a wild pitch, and a Matt Downs pinch hit homer – the Astros rocketed to a 5-3 win over the Rangers in the ninth inning. It seemed a bit of poetic justice actually, after the Rangers stole a game-long lead in the 11th on Tuesday night.

So there was no sweep in Arlington and for that, Astros fans are thankful. In fact, that win put the ‘Stros at 3-3 for their roadtrip and broke a three game losing streak. It was about time. But it seems every win lately starts the talk of “is this the turnaround?” as Astros fans anticipate the second half comeback the team’s been famous for year after year.

I’ve got news for you. There won’t be a comeback this year. Nope. Call me a pessimist, call me wrong, but I really don’t think we’re going to see some vast improvement in the Astros’ record in the second half of the season. Don’t get me wrong, all the pieces to the puzzle are there. They have the players. The problem is the players aren’t consistent and can’t turn it “on” at the same time. Brett Myers is pitching well, but now Brett Wallace is in a hitting slump. Downs is hitting like a rockstar, but J.R. Towles and Hunter Pence are injured. I could keep going.

I truly believe this is a team that could turn on a dime. I just don’t think that dime’s anywhere in sight. Hunker down, Astros fans. We’re in for a bumpy couple of seasons.

In the meantime, rejoice in the little things: the ‘Stros didn’t blow a save last night, they finally hit a homerun, Myers seems to be pitching much better, Lee’s hitting has finally come alive, they won without Hunter Pence in the lineup, Chris Johnson’s bat has become his friend again. Let’s just focus on that.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can read her Astros blog at www.talesfromthejuicebox.com, email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her on twitter @agirlinthesouth.