Hunter Pence’s four RBIs help Houston Astros rout Atlanta Braves 8-3 – MLB Update
Houston Astros’ right-fielder, Hunter Pence had a remarkable day with the bat as he hit four RBIs and went 3-for-4 in the Astros’ 8-3 win against the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park, Houston on June 13.
First two innings of the game went score-less due to impressive throws of the pitchers. At the top of second inning, Pence was struck-out looking and Michael Young grounded out to short-stop position. On the other side, the Astros’ batters also failed to
add runs on the score-board.
The Astros opened their scoring account in the third inning by posting two runs and took a 2-0 lead when Pence struck a one-run homer (392 feet) towards right-field and Clint Barmes singled off the left-field to score the second run.
The pitchers raised the momentum of their teams again in the fourth and fifth inning as they did not allow even a single run to any batter. Wandy Rodriguez pitched superbly as he threw six solid innings with an ERA of 3.13 and permitted no run on two hits.
He gave four walks on 95 pitches and had five strike-outs.
The Astros’ manager, Brad Mills had a huge ovation for Rodriguez. Speaking to reporters, Mills said, “He didn't let innings build. Guys got on base and got in scoring position, but he didn't let innings get away from him.”
Pence said, “To come out after we have a good talk with everyone talking baseball -- just to play good like we did today, hopefully it's something we can build on.”
In the sixth inning, the Astros stepped on the gas and hit five runs to extend their lead 7-0. Brett Wallace doubled to deep left centre and Jeff Keppinger scored one run. The last four runs during the sixth inning were taken by Wallace, J.R. Towles, Matt
Downs and Michael Bourn towards right-field.
The seventh inning again went in favour of the Astros as they scored one run and led off with 8-0. Wallace posted one run when Towles hit a sacrifice fly to left-field. No score was posted in the eighth inning as the batters played sluggish shots.
The Braves’ batters blasted three runs in the ninth inning to reduce the lead 8-3. Jordan Schafer homered (391 feet) to right centre-field while Young and Eric Hinske added two runs jointly to complete a three-run campaign.
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