• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Moehler dominant, Lee belts grand slam as Astros top Reds

Jul 30, 2008 - 4:13 AM By Ted Dunnam PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Brian Moehler came within one out of a complete game and Carlos Lee belted a grand slam, powering the Houston Astros to a 6-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday night.

Lee's 12th career grand slam capped a two-out rally in the fifth inning, lifting the Astros to their third straight win and sending the Reds to their fourth consecutive loss. Miguel Tejada contributed a solo shot, his 11th, in the third.

Moehler (6-4) allowed two runs and seven hits in 8 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked one.

The righthander appeared headed for his first complete game in almost eight years before running into trouble in the ninth.

He allowed a RBI groundout to Brandon Phillips and left after giving up a single to rookie Jay Bruce and walking pinch hitter Javier Valentin. Wesley Wright struck out rookie Joey Votto for his first career save.

Moehler wanted to secure the complete game.

"It was disappointing, no doubt about it, especially with a 6-1 lead and to not be able to finish a game," Moehler said.

"But I understand, it was (manager Cecil Cooper's) decision and I walked that guy, and they're one away from loading up the bases, and then one pitch away from tying up the game. I've got no problem with the decision."

While Moehler didn't get to finish what he started, Cooper was thoroughly impressed.

"It lets me know he's got what it takes," Cooper said. "He really worked hard to get an opportunity, and now he's taken advantage of it.

Moehler was staked to a big lead in the fifth when Houston loaded the bases off Reds starter Bronson Arroyo (9-8) on singles by Kazuo Matsui and Tejada before Lance Berkman was hit by a pitch. Lee then belted a 1-0 pitch from Arroyo to deep left for a 6-1 cushion.

"You know, he got me out with a sinker before, so why not try it again?" Lee said. "If you're successful, go back to it. I just guessed right and hit it really good. The guys in front of me created the opportunity, and that's what it's all about."

The Astros had taken a 1-0 lead in the second on an RBI triple by Hunter Pence. The Reds tied the game in the third when Arroyo laced an RBI double to left, plating Votto. Arroyo did not fare as well on the mound, allowing six runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings.

"If I'm going to see Berkman and Carlos Lee, I definitely didn't want to see them with guys on base because both of those guys have definitely hurt me enough in in the past," Arroyo said.

"I didn't want to give it up to Berkman. I didn't really care if I put him on. I'd rather match up with Lee. It's a big guessing game with (Lee). I went back to the sinker that I beat him with early in the game. I just left it just a little too much on the plate, especially with him hitting the ball so well now."

Houston has won eight straight from Cincinnati dating to May 31, 2007.

"Moehler was spotting his fastball and he floods the zone with strikes," Baker said. "He threw a good ball game. A lot of people are throwing good ball games against us."