'Stros take 2 of 3 from 'Spos @ the 8th Wonder of the World

8/17 - Astrodome

Astros 4, Expos 2

Bill Gullickson vs Vern Ruhle

Vern Ruhle gave up just 1 unearned run over 5 innings, then gave way to the pen.  Montreal sat around waiting for the big hit that never arrived.  Houston's top two hitters Tony Scott and Craig Reynolds were on base early and often (both were 2 for 4).  The top 4 hitters in Houston's lineup are hitting over .400, which is off the charts good.  Ruhle not only had a great day on the bump, he also went 2 for 3 at the plate.

8/18 - Astros 4, Expos 0

Steve Rogers vs Bob Knepper

Houston had Rogers on the ropes in each of the first 3 innings where they scored a run each time.  The 'Stros never delivered the knockout blow, but didn't need to as starter Bob Knepper went the distance with a tidy 6 hit shutout.  Once again Tony Scott found first with regularity going 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.  In total Houston had 11 hits.  Cesar Cedeno, who still isn't enjoying his conversion from centerfield to 1st base had himself a 3 for 5 day with 2 RBI's.

8/19

Expos 7, Astros 3

Scott Sanderson vs Nolan Ryan

Ryan threw 108 pitches in 6 1/3 innings and made an early exit up 1-0.  Houston's pen couldn't do "the Express" justice as they proceeded to melt down.  Billy Smith looked more like his namesake goalie than a competent reliever in the 7th inning where he gave up 3 runs on 5 hits and became the pitcher of record on the short side of the ledger.  Tim Raines' two out two run double broke up a 1-1 tie.  In the 8th the Expos got a 3 run shot by Tim Wallach to salt away the game.  Montreal's rookie right fielder is really a 3rd baseman by trade.  He's been struggling defensively, but did not take his woes out to the plate whee he went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI's.  Everyone in the Expo lineup had a hit except Sanderson, who only went 6.  Elias Sosa and Bill Lee finished out the game.  Montreal posted 14 hits and Houston posted 10.  Tony Scott for the 3rd straight day had a multi-hit game (3 for 5) for the Stros.  His season average is now a gaudy .484.