On Saturday, April 7, a strong contingent of Chronicle sports bloggers (and nonbloggers) made the trek to the City of Syrup for the battle between the Astros’ Cy Young contender, Roy Oswalt, and the Cardinals’ less-than-stellar spot-starter, Anthony Reyes. Rooting for the good guys were accounting assistant Jenn Nuzzo, proofer and Music writer Darcie Stevens, Community Listings Editor Nora Ankrum, and myself, the Score’s humble editor. In support of their hometown Cards were Screens Editor Shawn Badgley and sports blogger John Razook. Oswalt pitched a five-hit complete game, and Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman slugged their first homers of the year as Houston picked up their first victory of the young season, 5-1.
The less said about Sunday’s game the better. One good thing that did come from the Cards 10-1 romp of Houston was that Dan Wheeler was named their closer, replacing the Pujols-stricken Brad Lidge. Maybe outfielder Jason Lane will get hot, increasing his trade value, and the ‘Stros can dangle him and Lidge for some possible bullpen help down the stretch. Or we’re stuck with the hope that Chad Qualls, Lidge, and Wheeler can hold the bullpen together enough to get them into the postseason.
This article appears in April 6 • 2007.