Park Blows Save in Loss
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The Houston Astros scored two runs against Philadelphia Phillies reliever Park Chan-ho in the seventh inning and went on to win the game 4-3 in Houston Monday.
Park spoiled a great game by starter Jamie Moyer, took the loss and recorded his first blown save, giving up the tying and winning runs on two hits and three walks, retiring just one batter.
Park came into the game after Moyer, who returned to the rotation after an injury to J.A. Happ, pitched six solid innings, allowing two runs on three hits, a walk and four strikeouts.
The 16-year veteran allowed a leadoff double by Miguel Tejada. The next batter, Hunter Pence, brought home Tejada with a double of his own.
Park got his only out one batter later on a fly ball, but then gave up two walks to load the bases and issued one more free pass to Michael Bourn which brought in Pence.
Park did have velocity on his fastball, reaching 154 kilometers per hour on the radar gun, but struggled to find the plate, throwing just 10 strikes on 23 pitches.
Astros closer Jose Valverde came in to work the ninth to earn his 22nd save.
It's the first defeat for the Korean righty since losing to the Atlanta Braves on June 30. Park's ERA also edged up to 4.59 from 4.39.
Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez hit back-to-back home runs for the Phillies in the fourth. Moyer filled in well, but is expected to return to the bullpen as Happ's injury is not believed to be serious and he should be able to make his next start.
The win completes a four-game sweep for the Astros, but the Phillies still have a comfortable six-game lead in the National League East with a record of 77-58.