The Houston Astros could not close out the Philadelphia Phillies in the 9th inning as the Phillies scored four runs and beat the Astros by the score of 4-3.
Jose Valverde blew the save and took the loss for the Astros as he gave up all four runs in the bottom of the 9th. Pinch-hitter Chris Snelling hit a leadoff homer in the 9th, and Chase Utley was hit by a pitch. After Ryan Howard struck out, Pat Burrell tied the score at 3 with a two-run homer to right.
Geoff Jenkins then struck out but made it to first as Brad Ausmus wasn’t able to control the ball. Pedro Felix then hit the game winning double that score Jenkins from first base. Just a terrible way to end the game for the Phillies.
Starting pitcher Shawn Chacon had pitched eight strong inning of scoreless baseball and was in line to pick up the win before all hell broke lose in the 9th inning. Great performance by Chacon, hopefully next time he will be able to get the victory.
Miguel Tejada, Geoff Blum, and Hunter Pence had the three RBI’s for the Astros.
