Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Rodrigo Lopez had a solid outing at Minute Maid Park in Houston, but it all came to naught.
The Houston Astros got just three hits and two runs over seven innings, but it didn't matter when Astros outfielder Carlos Lee blasted a walk-off home run to left field off hapless reliever Juan Gutierrez (0-4) in the bottom of the ninth inning. Lee drove in second-baseman Kazuo Matsui, who'd managed a lead-off walk.
The first-pitch homer gave Houston a 4-2 victory and ended its eight-game losing streak. The team's now 9-18.
"It was over in a hurry," Arizona Manager A.J. Hinch said after the game. "To start off with a leadoff walk is dangerous."
Especially in the bottom of the ninth. We could see the end coming for the now-13-15 Snakes when Matsui trotted to first base.
Further disappointment for the D-Backs was that they out-hit Houston eight hits to four, but they couldn't get enough baserunners across home plate, stranding eight.
Arizona's Gerardo Parra and Stephen Drew had big nights. Outfielder Parra tripled and doubled to drive in the two runs. And shortstop Drew smacked a pair of doubles.
Shortstop Tommy Manzella homered in the second inning to give the Astros a 2-1 lead. He drove in first-baseman Lance Berkman, who'd gotten on base with a single. Then, Arizona came back, thanks to Parra, only to get beaten by Lee and Matsui.
The D-Backs are at the Astros again tonight, beginning at 5:05 p.m. Ace Dan Haren (3-1, 450 ERA) will start for the Snakes, and Wandy Rodriguez (1-3, 3.64 ERA) will start for the 'Stros. TV: Fox Sports Arizona. Radio: KTAR 620 AM. For more information, go to www.arizonadiamondbacks.com.
