Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Mariners


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Monday, July 14, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

NL | Astros pitcher Brandon Backe makes case to play every day

Brandon Backe loves to bat, slide and play the field. All things being equal, he'd rather be an everyday player than a pitcher. On Sunday, he was...

Brandon Backe loves to bat, slide and play the field. All things being equal, he'd rather be an everyday player than a pitcher.

On Sunday, he was about as close to Mr. Everything as he could get. He pitched seven-plus innings, went 2 for 3 with a double and scored twice in Houston's 5-0 victory over the Nationals in Washington, D.C.

"I would just love to be an everyday player — diving catches, running into the wall, getting dirty," said Backe (6-9), who is batting .345. "I'm just sad I didn't get to slide today."

About the only thing he didn't do was execute a squeeze play in the fourth inning, instead fouling off a pitch.

"We feel like we're playing with nine instead of eight. Backe's a good hitter," Astros outfielder Carlos Lee said.

"Everybody on the team knows I take pride in hitting," Backe said. "I can't imagine anybody working on it more than me, to be honest with you."

The right-hander also turned in his best game to date on the mound, allowing only five hits.

"Brandon Backe, Brandon Backe, Brandon Backe, Brandon Backe, that was what we got today," Houston manager Cecil Cooper said. "Two for 3. Scored a couple of runs. Seven shutout innings. What could you say? He threw over 100 pitches. I thought he was really, really good."

Atlanta: Bobby Cox notched his 2,300 career win, fourth all-time among managers. ... RHP Tim Hudson made the first relief appearance of his nine-year career, pitching a perfect eighth inning at San Diego.

Chicago: Injured OF Alfonso Soriano (broken hand) is aiming for a July 24 return to the Cubs.

Cincinnati: RHP Aaron Harang went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm.

Colorado: The Rockies' 39-57 record is the third worst at the All-Star break for a team coming off a World Series appearance in a non-strike year, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

advertising

Florida: All-Star SS Hanley Ramirez was rested for precautionary reasons. He has a sore right shoulder.

Los Angeles: Dodgers closer Takashi Saito, who left Saturday's game with tightness in his right elbow, will have an MRI today.

Milwaukee: LHP CC Sabathia's homer against Cincinnati extended the Brewers' home-run streak to 13 games.

New York: RHP Mike Pelfrey has won six straight starts and hasn't allowed a run in a career-best 16 consecutive innings.

Philadelphia: SS Jimmy Rollins stole two bases, giving him 38 straight over two seasons. He's 24 for 24 this year.

Pittsburgh: The Pirates unexpectedly have one of the NL's best offenses, but the pitching staff's 5.19 ERA is the worst in the majors.

St. Louis: Former coach and player Dave Ricketts, a reserve catcher on the Cardinals' 1967 World Series championship team, died at age 73.

San Diego: 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff has hit safely in 17 of his past 21 games while hitting .341.

Seattle Times news services

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

NEW - 08:11 PM
Baseball | Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer is voted American League MVP

NEW - 06:52 PM
Mariners' Ken Griffey Jr. could earn $3.9 million next season

Mariners to try Dustin Ackley at second base

Vizquel close to signing contract with White Sox

Tracy, Scioscia win Manager of the Year awards

Advertising

Video

PNW Magazine | Easy As Pie
A little friendly competition between professional pie-baker Kate McDermott and The Seatttle Times' Kathleen Triesch Saul is handled with great taste.

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection

Marketplace

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising