The Houston Astros were blown out by the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night by the score of 14-2. This is a game that the Astros just need to forget about and start thinking about Thursday’s game. The Astros have now lost three games in a row as they are having trouble staying in the wild card race.

Brandon Backe was terrible on the mound as he only lasted 1 2/3 innings. Backe gave up six hits and five runs including two home runs in the game. Backe took the loss after getting shelled and is now 9-13. The bullpen wasn’t very good either as Jack Cassel gave up one run, Fernando Nieve three runs, and Dave Borkowski five runs. It was a bad night to be a Astros pitcher.

The only offense for the Astros on the night came from Hunter Pence. Pence hit two solo home runs in the game. I can’t really fault the offense to much however as the pitching staff put the offense in a huge hole.

Thursday’s game is pretty much a must win in my opinion. If the Astros lose Thursday’s game, I think you can pretty much pack things in.

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RECAP: Roy Oswalt looked strong in the first inning, but things quickly fell apart for the Astros ace, and he ended his outing after the 6th inning, having surrendered five runs to the Phillies. The bullpen stepped in but gave up an additional pair of runs in their collective three innings of work, cementing the Phillies 7-5 victory. Wesley Wright gave up one of the runs and was credited with the loss, and Fernando Nieve was tagged for the final run the bullpen allowed. Tim Byrdak continued to impress, coming in with two runners on and only one out, and managed to get out of the inning with only one of the runners coming around to score. Former Astros closer Brad Lidge came in and pitched a scoreless 9th inning, nailing down his 12th save of the season.

Michael Bourn recorded yet another multi-hit game, going 2-for-5 and stealing his 21st base of the year, tying him for the Major League lead. Ty Wigginton had the best performance of the night, going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Lance Berkman continued his hot-hitting ways as well, recording three hits in five at-bats and driving in a run.

THOUGHTS: The offense had a good showing tonight, but Oswalt and the bullpen both faltered. The Astros will have to pitch more effectively in the coming three games against the potent Phillies lineup if they’re going to do well in this series.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Ty Wigginton; two singles, a double and two RBIs.

ASTROS RECORD: 27-22 (.551)

The Houston Astros made some spring training roster moves on Monday as they trim down the big league camp roster as the season opener gets closer.

Fernando Nieve, Paul Estrada, Chad Reineke, and Yordany Ramirez were sent to Triple-A Round Rock.

Sammy Gervacio and Brad James were sent to Double-A Corpus Christi.

Tommy Manzella, Lance Niekro, and Josh Muecke were reassigned to Minor League camp.

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