Astros Take 1-0 Lead in Division Series with Pettitte's Strong Performance
The Houston Astros edged the Atlanta Braves 10-5 in Game 1 of their best-of-five division series, with Andy Pettitte pitching seven strong innings and Morgan Ensberg delivering a five-RBI effort. The Astros' sacrifice bunting strategy, which included four division series-record bunts, played a key role in their victory. The Braves' bullpen struggled in the eighth inning, allowing five Astros runs to seal the loss.
Key Takeaways:
- Andy Pettitte pitched seven innings, allowing four runs and tying John Smoltz for the most career postseason victories with 14.
- Morgan Ensberg hit a five-RBI double and scored a run, leading the Astros' offense with five RBIs.
- The Astros laid down a division series-record four sacrifice bunts, with Pettitte executing two of them.
- Braves starter Tim Hudson struggled with control, walking four batters and hitting one in the first three innings.
- The Braves' bullpen allowed five runs in the eighth inning, a game-turning performance.
Statistics:
- Astros sacrifice bunts: 4 (a division series-record)
- Andy Pettitte's career postseason victories: 14 (tied with Braves' pitcher John Smoltz)
- Morgan Ensberg's RBIs: 5
- Astros' runs scored: 10
- Braves' runs scored: 5
- Tim Hudson's walks allowed: 4
- Braves' bullpen ERA: Not specified
Sources:
- Associated Press
- Ed Reinke (photographer)
- Baseball-Reference.com (statistics)
- MLB.com (general information)