YES, I said SWEEP! It doesn’t get much better than the past three days for Astros fans. Once the club won game one against the Cubs the buzz became, “Can they win the series?” and “Will Lyles live up to the hype.” Because, let’s face it, Jordan Lyles MLB debut was anticipated as if it was the second coming of Jesus. There were high expectations. And there were nerves – well, my nerves.

Last night at Wrigley field, Lyles became the youngest Astros’ starter since Cesar Cedeno in 1970. Unlike me, Lyles didn’t seem nervous at all. So I eat all the words I said yesterday. I swallow the doubt I had in him. I was worried about nerves? He was cool as a cucumber. It was like a veteran was on the mound as he pitched an amazing 7 innings in which he threw an efficient 92 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. He didn’t get a win but he managed to allow only 5 hits and 2 earned runs giving him an ERA of 2.57. He moves amazingly well on that mound. I think I’m in love. He’ll start again on Sunday afternoon in an untelevised game against the Padres.

The Astros’ bats were definitely nocturnal and came alive late with a 6 run ninth to win the game 7-3. The winning pitcher was indeed a rookie, just not the one that was being hyped all day. Fernando Rodriguez got his first big league start and win by pitching to only one hitter. A big night for young Astros. » Continue reading “A Rookie Gets a Win and the Astros Get a Sweep”