June 24: Texas: 3 Hits, 2996 Career Total

By Robert H. Kelly

The Houston Astros faced the Texas Rangers in the third game of their series in Arlington. The Rangers took the Silver Boot Trophy last night in their victory over the Astros. This will be the final game the Astros and Rangers will play against each other in 2007. The Rangers are 4-1 this season versus the Astros prior to this game.

The Astros went into the game at 31-43, 11 1/2 game behind the division leading Milwaukee Brewers, while the Rangers were 30-44, 18 games behind the first place Los Angeles Angels.

Craig Biggio lead off the batting order, playing in the designated hitter role.

He went 3 for 5 at the plate in the Astros 12-9 win, raising his career hit total at 2996. He got two RBIs, one walk and one run. He now has only four hits to go.

Again, for the Nth time this season, is how he did at the plate:

1st inning: SINGLE (facing right handed pitcher Robinson Tejeda, 5-7, 6.29 ERA)
1: called strike
2: foul
3: singles on a grounder to second baseman Ian Kinsler.
Current batting average: .234

NOTE #1: Biggio advances to second base on a single by Hunter Pence.

NOTE #2: Biggio scores on a three run homer by Lance Berkman. Astros 3 Rangers 0.

3rd inning: POPS OUT (still facing Tejeda)
1: swinging strike
2: pops out, in foul territory, to first baseman Brad Wilkerson
Current batting average: .234

NOTE #3: Pence tags a 3-1 pitch over the left field wall for a home run. (8th of the season, 1st in Arlington Stadium) Astros 4 Rangers 0.

NOTE #4: Bases are loaded with two outs for Biggio.

4th inning: WALK (still facing Tejada)
1: swinging strike
2: swinging strike
3: ball
4: ball
5: ball
6: ball
Current batting average: .234

NOTE #5: Biggio gets an RBI on the walk as Mark Loretta scores.

NOTE #5: Biggio advances to third on an throwing error by third baseman Ramon Vasquez.

PERSONAL NOTE: The Astros are putting the runs on the board due to Ranger mistakes. Biggio gains one more hit, and by the looks of the next three days, he will get his 3000th hit at home against the Colorado Rockies. I look for him to have a day or two of "rest" in Milwaukee

6th inning: SINGLE (facing left handed pitcher Ron Mahay, 0-0, 2.82 ERA)
1: ball
2: swinging strike
3: singles on a ground ball to center fielder Kenny Lofton.
Current batting average: .236

8th inning: GROUNDS OUT (facing right handed pitcher Joaquin Benoit, 2-2, 3.76 ERA)
1: grounds into a double play, shortstop Michael Young to second baseman Ian Kinsler to first baseman Brad Wilkerson
Current batting average: .236

Note #6: When a Ranger hits a home run, the play the theme song from "The Natural" (the music that is played when Roy Hobbs hit a homer). That is so cool.

Note #7: The Rangers tie the game at 7 all when Frank Catalanotto hits a two run homer off Dan Wheeler.

Note #8: The Astros score two run in the top of the ninth off a double by Mark Loretta. Astros 9 Texas 7.

Note #9: Astros 9 Texas 8 on a homer run by pinch hitter Marlon Byrd off of Wheeler. Ian Kinsler hits another home run off Wheeler to tie the game at 9 all in the bottom fo the 9th inning.

10th inning: DOUBLE (facing left handed pitcher C.J. Wilson, 0-0, 2.02 ERA)
1: foul
2: foul
3: ball
4: doubles on a line drive to left fielder Catanotto; Morgan Ensburg scores
Current batting average: .238

Note # 10: Beeg was name the Player of the Game.