I can hear the screams, “bring im up” from right here in my home office
The Astros seemed determined to lose this game to the Marlins, making numerous boneheaded plays going into the seventh inning down 2-0.
But with the bases loaded and two outs, pinch hitter Cam Smith did his thing again this Spring. His 400 foot bases loaded triple off the top of the center field wall gave his new team a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish. Previously this Spring Smith had a two-homer game and leads the team in homers. RBI, and yes, triples.
Framber Valdez got the start and looked like vintage Framber until the second inning when he allowed a walk and a single. It looked like he was home free on a routine grounder to first for out three, but Framber failed to cover the bag, giving the Marlins new life. The next batter doubled off Framber’s relief giving the Marlins their two-run lead.
Later, Jose Altuve looked like the inexperienced outfielder he is by calling off the shortstop on a routine pop up but failed to make the play.
And a few innings later, Shay Whitcomb made an error at third on a routine grounder. Not so bad, but considering the yips he had in his brief stint in the bigs last year, it was not auspicious to see another bad play. At least he gained redemption by initiating a double play on the next at bat, helping to bail out Rafael Montero, who allowed a walk and a hit prior.
But Cam Smith came to the rescue to shine a little light on a dismal Astros offense that has had trouble hitting this Spring.