Taylor Buchholz, in his 2nd career start, pitched 8 2/3 innings giving up only 2 hits and no runs. The rookie pitcher for the Astros tallied his first career win against the Pirates this evening by pitching a gem. He only gave up 1 hit through the first 8 2/3 innings. The Astros won 3-0, with Craig Biggio scoring all three runs, one by a single from Morgan Ensberg, who's homerun streak was ended at 6, one on a sac fly by Berkman, and his final run on a solo homer in the 7th.
Buchholz was 1 strike away from a complete game 1 hitter when Eric Bruntlett, the Astros 2nd baseman who subbed in for Biggio in the ninth, kicked a routine ground ball, allowing a runner to reach 1st. Buchholz then allowed his 2nd hit of the night and was replaced by Brad Lidge, who cleaned up the mess. Although it was disappointing that Buchholz couldn't finish off the complete game, I am thrilled to see how this rookie has started off his career. He has a 1.80 ERA and has made 4 appearances including 2 starts and a 1-1 record. In the fantasy league that I am in, there aren't individual pitchers, you own an entire staff. I, partly out of loyalty and partly because I knew they were solid, picked the Astros staff and I am ecstatic so far. Roy Oswalt has been phenomenal as usual, Pettite appears to be righting his ship after a rough start and Wandy Rodriguez has started 3-0. On top of that, Buchholz has been pleasantly surprising and Brandon Backe should be solid if he can stay healthy. The bullpen has had a semi-rough start, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and Russ Springer have all made appearences and not been too impressive, but they were great last year and I'm sure they'll settle in. And how can I not mention Lidge? He has a NL leading 7 saves in 7 attempts. Needless to say, I think I should be in pretty good shape.
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