He remained in the game and allowed only two hits from there. It was hurting unbelievably. I told myself this was my game, to stay in there and keep the ball down. Lima's strong performance was as much a shot of redemption as it was a reminder he can still be an effective starter. And it will make the Astros' decision that much tougher when the time comes next week to bump a starter from the rotation to make room for righthander Shane Reynolds.
Nobody wants to go out.
I hope they all make statements like this, and Shane will never get back in. One of Lopes' favorite strategies last season was the intentional walk, but he opted to not issue a free pass to Chris Truby with first base open and one out in the ninth inning. By walking Truby to load the bases it would have brought up injured infielder Bill Spiers, who had entered the on-deck circle to bat for pitcher Jose Lima . Spiers has been limited to three pinch-hit appearances this season because of a bad back. Lopes decided to pitch to Truby, who hit the decisive three-run homer off Curtis Leskanic .