Happ For Oswalt--Same Pattern?

Last night's game between the Astros and the Washington Nationals reminded me of games earlier this season and last season. The Astros new left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ cruised through six innings and left with three to nothing lead. In the seventh inning the Nationals scored one run, but in the eighth they scored seven and got the win.

So Mr. Happ got a no decision last night, despite pitching well. I thought of all those times early this season and in 2009 when Roy Oswalt, for whom Houston acquired Happ, left the game with a lead only to receive a no decision. I hope this does not become a pattern for Happ the way it did for Oswalt.

J. A. Happ!!!!!

What a performance by J.A. Happ last night at Minute Maid Park. The young left-hander, recently acquired in the trade for Roy Oswalt, pitched a two hit shutout against the dreaded divisional rival from St. Louis. In the complete game effort he walked only one batter. There were two double plays executed by the Astros, so Happ only faced 28 batters on the evening, one over the minimum.

I really loved to watch Roy Oswalt pitch when he was here, but I was an Astro fan long before he came and will be one long after he has gone.