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Astros 2, Indians 0


Astros 2, Indians 0
HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Astros are counting on Brian Moehler to fill out a rotation with plenty of question marks behind ace Roy Oswalt.

Moehler's final spring performance is exactly what the Astros need plenty of during in the regular season from the veteran right-hander.

He allowed two hits in five scoreless innings and the Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Indians 2-0 on Friday night.

"It's spring training, you just take it for what it's worth, but I worked on everything," Moehler said. "I tried to get as game ready as I can be. I used all my pitches and threw them in all counts. I'm real happy with where I am."

Moehler was moved out of the bullpen last season to start 26 games and finish 11-8 with a 4.56 ERA.

On Friday he looked ready for the regular season, striking out five with no walks.

"Tonight he used all his pitches and he was down in the strike zone," manager Cecil Cooper said. "He was about as good as I've ever seen him tonight."

Along with Oswalt and Moehler, the Astros have Wandy Rodriguez and Mike Hampton with guaranteed spots in the rotation. Russ Ortiz, a one-time All-Star who did not play last season because of an arm injury, will likely get the fifth spot.

"I think if we stay healthy, everybody is capable of pitching well," Moehler said. "That's the key. Everybody staying healthy."

Indians starter Fausto Carmona allowed six hits and two runs with five strikeouts in five innings. Carmona is trying to rebound from a difficult 2008 season where he missed two months with a hip strain.

"Everything was working," he said. "I think I'm ready for the season. I'm anxious for the season. Tonight I was trying to throw every pitch. This is one of my better outings. It's much better tonight than before."

Houston slugger Lance Berkman went 1-for-3 with a double in his second game back after missing almost a week with tendinitis in his left biceps. He played five innings at first base in his first work in the field since the injury and Cooper said he felt fine. He was the designated hitter on Thursday and will do the same Saturday.

Wesley Wright, Geoff Geary, LaTroy Hawkins and closer Jose Valverde pitched an inning each for the Astros to complete the shutout in the first of a pair of exhibition games with Cleveland at Minute Maid Park.

"We have really pitched well in the last couple of weeks," Cooper said. "That's a key for us. Somehow veteran players know when the time comes to kind of step it up and start playing and they have done that."

Hunter Pence had a single in the second inning to score Miguel Tejada and Carlos Lee for the game's only runs.

Notes: Astros great Jeff Bagwell was at Minute Maid on Friday for the grand opening of the FiveSeven Grille inside the park named after his and Craig Biggio's jersey numbers. The restaurant pays tribute to Bagwell and Biggio's long careers and includes memorabilia and photos from their time with the Astros.


Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: April 4, 2009

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