Russell To Make First Career Start Against Astros
Houston Astros pitcher Brett Myers has had two impressive starts so far this season, but is still without a win, largely due to a lack of run support from his offense.
The way he's pitched against the Chicago Cubs, he may not need much offensive help from his teammates.
Myers looks to continue his mastery of the visiting Cubs on Tuesday night when the teams continue a three-game series.
After allowing three hits and two runs - one earned - over seven innings of a 5-4 season-opening loss at Philadelphia on April 1, Myers (0-0, 2.03 ERA) limited Cincinnati to six hits and two runs in 6 1-3 innings during Thursday's 3-2 win - Houston's first of the season.
"How good was Myers again?," manager Brad Mills told the Astros' official website. "You've got to love the way he battled all the way through."
Myers is 8-0 with a 2.12 ERA in his last nine starts against the Cubs (5-5), and limited them to one run over seven innings July 21, 2010, in the only appearance during that span where he failed to record a decision.
He went 3-0 with a 1.21 ERA in four starts versus Chicago last season, striking out 34 in 29 2-3 innings.
The NL-worst Astros (2-8) fell behind early in Monday's series opener and ultimately suffered their third loss in four games at Minute Maid Park, 5-4.
Houston increased its home batting average to .324 with 10 hits, but went 3 for 12 with runners in scoring position.
"I blame the loss on me," said infielder Joe Inglett, who left three men on base, two in the ninth. "I had the opportunity and didn't come through. Can't dwell on it. There was more opportunity for me to do something, to drive runs in, but it didn't happen."
Cubs relievers, meanwhile, stepped up to throw 2 2-3 scoreless innings after compiling a 5.14 ERA over the previous five games.
Chicago's bullpen could be in line for a heavy workload Tuesday with James Russell (1-0, 0.00) scheduled to make his first major league start.
The left-hander, who has pitched two scoreless innings in relief this season, is not expected to make more than 50 pitches as he takes injured Andrew Cashner's turn in the rotation.
"I'm very, very excited about it," Russell told the Cubs' official website.
With outfielder Kosuke Fukudome out with a hamstring injury, shortstop Starlin Castro batted leadoff Monday and went 3 for 5 to increase his average to .364.
"I don't care what spot," Castro said. "First, second, I don't care."
Darwin Barney also continued his hot hitting, collecting two hits for the second consecutive game. He also scored twice and drove in a run.
"The kids did really, really well," manager Mike Quade said of Castro and Barney. "I liked watching them. It's fun to watch them. They feed off of each other, and they play with enthusiasm."
Carlos Pena, though, went 0 for 2 with two walks Monday and saw his average dip to .174.
Castro is 2 for 12 lifetime against Myers while teammates Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano are a combined 14 for 67 (.209) with 24 strikeouts. Pena is 0 for 5 against Myers.
The Cubs have won three of four on the road against Houston.
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. STATS LLC and The Associated Press contributed to this article. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
