Norris sharp in first start, Astros win
August 2, 2009
ST. LOUIS (AP)—Bud Norris’(notes) first major league start was a breeze after he gotover some early jitters.
Norris allowed two hits in seven sharp innings, leading the Houston Astrosto a 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
“Once I got in the dugout and watched the first half inning I settleddown,” Norris said. “I got out there, threw my warmup pitches and it felt likeany other day.”
Norris was working on a no-hitter before pitcher Adam Wainwright(notes) led off thesixth with a single to center. Norris (1-0) walked four and struck out fivewhile subbing for Roy Oswalt(notes), who missed his turn with lower back discomfort.
“He showed great confidence out there,” Houston catcher Ivan Rodriguez(notes)said.
Wainwright (12-7) allowed two runs over seven innings for the Cardinals, whowon the first two games of the weekend series. Wainwright was trying to becomethe majors’ second 13-game winner, joining Boston’s Josh Beckett(notes).
Series at a Glance Houston 3 St. Louis 4 Fri, Jul 31 – Final Houston 1 St. Louis 3 Sat, Aug 1 – Final Houston 2 St. Louis 0 Sun, Aug 2 – Final
“I was OK,” he said. “I could have been better in spots but for the mostpart I felt pretty good.”
Houston went in front when Miguel Tejada(notes) drove in Kaz Matsui with an infieldhit in the fourth. Matsui led off the inning with a double and advanced to thirdon Hunter Pence’s(notes) single.
Michael Bourn(notes) gave the Astros a 2-0 lead with a two-out RBI double in theseventh.
Houston closer Jose Valverde(notes) came in to face Albert Pujols(notes) afterpinch-hitter Ryan Ludwick(notes) singled with one out in the eighth. On a 3-2 pitch,Pujols struck out and Ludwick was cut down by Ivan Rodriguez while trying tosteal second.
Valverde then worked the ninth for his 12th save in 16 chances as Houstonended a four-game skid.
“We needed a win in the worst way,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “We neededa big game and Norris gave us one. It was an outstanding performance from theyoung man, especially being his first start.”
Pujols went 5 for 27 (.190) with one RBI on St. Louis’ seven-game homestand.Matt Holliday(notes) went hitless Sunday for the first time since being traded to theCardinals on July 24th.
“He’s in a funk,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said of Pujols. “He’llfix it.”
NOTES: Norris got his first career hit when he beat out an infield single inthe third. … Cardinals SS Brendan Ryan(notes) sat out for the third straight gameafter bruising his left ankle on a foul ball in the Cardinals’ 5-3 loss Thursdaynight to the Dodgers. … Cardinals INF Khalil Greene(notes) flied out to right as apinch hitter in the 8th. It was his first at-bat since June 28th. Greene (socialanxiety) was activated from the disabled list Saturday.
