Sunday, April 25, 2010
Associated Press
houston
Wandy Rodriguez struck out seven to earn his first win, and the Houston Astros beat Pittsburgh, 5-2, on Saturday in a game that began with Pirates’ starter Chris Jakubauskas getting hit in the head by Lance Berkman’s line drive.
Jakubauskas (0-1), who was called up from the minors on Friday, was making his first start of the season. Berkman drove a 1-0 pitch straight back to the mound in the first inning, and the ball hit Jakubauskas just behind his right ear.
Medical staffs from both teams ran to the mound as Jakubauskas stayed down. Berkman also ran over to check on the pitcher, along with the Pirates infielders.
Jakubauskas was taken off the field on a medical cart. He gave a thumbs up to the crowd, who offered a standing ovation. He was rushed to a Houston hospital, and was being kept overnight for observation.
Hunter Pence and Pedro Feliz drove in two runs apiece for the Astros, who’ve won seven of nine since an 0-8 start. Rodriguez (1-2) allowed five hits and one earned run in 71/3 innings, finally getting offensive support after Houston failed to score in his first 18 innings this season.
Right-hander D.J. Carrasco replaced Jakubauskas, and Pence promptly hit a two-run double down the left-field line. Michael Bourn singled before Berkman’s shot, so Jakubauskas was charged with the runs.
Ronny Cedeno reached on Feliz’s error in the third inning, and eventually scored on Andrew McCutchen’s single, making it 2-1.