Houston Astros Losing Streak Reaches Four

The Houston Astros are reeling.  After having the bullpen blow another save earlier this week in Atlanta, the starting pitching faltered Wednesday night in St. Louis, in the Astros 5 to 1 loss to the Cardinals.

Starting pitcher Bud  Norris gave up four runs in the 3rd inning in Wednesday's loss, dooming the 'Stros.  The Astros offense continues to sputter with six hits and only one run Wednesday night.

As a team, the Astros are 8th in MLB with a .259 batting average, but they are lacking punch in their production with an OPS of .698 good for 19th in MLB.

The pitching is also having problems.  The staff as a whole has given up 47 home runs, fourth worst in MLB.  The team's ERA is 4.87 second worst in MLB.  On top of all of that, the bullpen has blown 11 saves which is the worst in MLB.

I don't see the Astros struggles ending any time soon.  The bullpen doesn't have a strong closer and Brett Myers will probably be used as trade bait in July.  On top of all of that, Carlos Lee, who is supposed to be carrying the team offensively, is hitting .244 with 22 RBI and 4 HR. The only bright spot is the sale of the team from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane.

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below.