The Texas-LSU CWS Final is Worth Following!

The LSU Tigers have won the opener in the College World Series Final. But you surely already knew that. The game on Monday night was a sparkler...the best in college baseball. And there might be two more of the same. For Texas to win there HAS to be two more. And with the depth of the Longhorn pitching staff don't be so sure this thing is over just because the Tigers won the opener.

That's a great advantage, for sure. It DID take extra innings and the Longhorn pitching staff is deeper. Of course, the Horns could not hold a lead in the ninth that allowed the Tigers to hang in and finally win. While the Longhorns have a deep staff the game one edge went to the LSU closer who kept the door shut late.

Actually Texas didn't mount much offense. The did fill the outfield seats with solo home runs, but didn't mount any offensive threatening innings. That is not unusual. The homers were. Texas was not one of the nation's top offensive teams during the season. Their team batting average into the game Monday was only .289 and the season homer count was 39 prior to the CWS. BUT the team earned run average still into the Monday night game was an amazing 2.88. It took a hit vs LSU. The final series is strange in that it has the #1 seed in the tournament and the #1 team in the college baseball writers poll. And that was not the same team. Texas headed into play as #1 seed and LSU was only the #3 seed, but the #1 ranked team in the nation.

Both selections seem to be right on the money. Two great programs...two great teams... Game two on Tuesday should be another doozy.

ASTROS BACK HOME
While the college game is notable the Astros will return home to Minute Maid Park on Tuesday (FS Houston 6:30 with Astros Live Pregame). Off a 5-4 road trip marred only by the two straight loses at Texas, the club continues its slow but steady climb in the NL Central. No longer in last place the Astros are still within range of the top and can actually see .500 at 32-35.

Jose Valverde is back so the end of the bullpen is strong with Chris Sampson doing at least as well as Doug Brocail ever could have and LaTroy Hawkins and Valverde ready to close things out. Russ Ortiz who has been doing a solid job since put back in the rotation gets the start on Tuesday. Its still interleague with Kansas City here. Zack Greinke and his 1.96 ERA gets the opening nod for the Royals.

DAY OFF IN KEMAH
Actually had one of those rare full days off at home on Monday after returning from Minneapolis Sunday night. So my wife and I drove to Kemah to eat. Afterward we decided to give the high speed boat ride a try. We were not really dressed for it. They are not kidding when they say you will get wet. But with the temperature in the mid 90s it was refreshing. I DO recommend anyone who has not tried the Beast to get on board. It may be a bit pricey but it was a good ride. And, of course, on a Monday afternoon, there was no line or wait. Make sure its a hot day though because you will get wet...thoroughly!

After Kemah we headed down toward Galveston. We had not gone down since before Ike. The first thing noticeable was how many trees have apparently died (salt water?). There is very little green visible. Most of the devastation has been cleared away and a lot of rebuilding is evident. But there seem to be a lot more empty spaces than we ever remembered. Let us just hope the area doesn't have to deal with any more direct hits ever, but at least for many many years.

ODD 'N ENDS
For those of you have asked, yes, the plan is for Houston Sportsbeat to return in a few weeks. It will be based in the Houston Center Studio but will also get out and about some with a new format when it returns. It has been on summer hiatus for re-tooling and the production staff along with the executive and sales arms of FS Houston have been planning. Your's truly as the primary host has been offering mostly long distance input while traveling with the Astros, but I am looking forward to some of the new ideas that have been put forth. We expect to still have most if not all of the revolving panelists from the past plus add more sport specific guests for special shows.
About the time we re-join the FS Houston schedule the football talk for both college and the pros will join the Astros in the 2nd half of the season. And we won't forget the Dynamo which is having another superb season.