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2001 – Astros are swept by the Braves at Turner Field, 6-2, to close out another disappointing N.L.D.S, their third such fate at the hands of Atlanta in five years. Former Houston backup Paul Bako homers off Shane Reynolds and drives in three. Daryle Ward’s two-run blast is the only response for the Astros. 

ByTom

2001 – Astros are swept by the Braves at Turner Field, 6-2, to close out another disappointing N.L.D.S, their third such fate at the hands of Atlanta in five years. Former Houston backup Paul Bako homers off Shane Reynolds and drives in three. Daryle Ward’s two-run blast is the only response for the Astros. 

Tom Glavine and John Smoltz combine on a seven-hit shutout to blank the Astros, 1-0, in Game Two of the N.L.D.S.
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Tom Glavine and John Smoltz combine on a seven-hit shutout to blank the Astros, 1-0, in Game Two of the N.L.D.S.

ByTom

2001 – Tom Glavine and John Smoltz combine on a seven-hit shutout to blank the Astros, 1-0, in Game Two of the N.L.D.S. The only run is scored by B.J. Surhoff on a double-play grounder after a double and an error by Julio Lugo. 

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Shane Reynolds wins his 100th game as an Astro

ByTom

 2001 Shane Reynolds wins his 100th game as an Astro and it comes at the best possible time. He drops St. Louis, 9-2, to claim Houston’s fourth division title in five years . Richard Hidalgo blasts a two-run homer in the second off Darryl Kile and the Astros never look back . While the two clubs share 93-69 records, the Astros claim the title by winning nine of 16 head-to-head matchups. 

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2001 – With their season in turmoil, Lance Berkman delivers twice in a crucial 2-1 triumph in St. Louis, clinching a tie for a playoff spot. Berkman homers off Jeff Tabaka in the eighth to tie it then doubles home Craig Biggio in the ninth for the game-winner. 

ByTom

2001 – With their season in turmoil, Lance Berkman delivers twice in a crucial 2-1 triumph in St. Louis, clinching a tie for a playoff spot. Berkman homers off Jeff Tabaka in the eighth to tie it then doubles home Craig Biggio in the ninth for the game-winner. 

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2001 – Houston greets 20-game winner Matt Morris with a seven-run fourth to drub the Cardinals, 9-2. Dave Mlicki wins his seventh since a mid-season deal with Detroit. The Astros extend their division lead over St. Louis to 5-1/2 games with a dozen left to play. It’s the same lead they have over the entire National League. 

ByTom

2001 – Houston greets 20-game winner Matt Morris with a seven-run fourth to drub the Cardinals, 9-2. Dave Mlicki wins his seventh since a mid-season deal with Detroit. The Astros extend their division lead over St. Louis to 5-1/2 games with a dozen left to play. It’s the same lead they have over the entire National League. 

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the Astros stun Robb Nen with two runs in the ninth to edge the Giants, 3-2

ByTom

2001 – In their first game since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Astros stun Robb Nen with two runs in the ninth to edge the Giants, 3-2. Jeff Bagwell’s triple chases home Adam Everett before Moises Alou’s sacrifice fly breaks the tie. Mike Williams wins in relief while Billy Wagner notches his 37th save. 

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Roy Oswalt fans a dozen Brewers in a complete game shutout, 8-0.

ByThis Day in Baseball

2001 – Roy Oswalt fans a dozen Brewers in a complete game shutout, 8-0. Four home runs provide plenty of support. Oswalt runs his record to 14-2 in his rookie season but injuries keep him out of the stretch drive. Houston expands their division lead to 5-1/2 games over St. Louis. They will not play again for nine days. 

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2001 – Vinny Castilla blasts a homer and two doubles to drive in six and give the Reds the blues, 10-3. Daryle Ward and Jose Vizcaino also double twice. Dave Mlicki coasts to the easy victory. 

ByTom

2001 – Vinny Castilla blasts a homer and two doubles to drive in six and give the Reds the blues, 10-3. Daryle Ward and Jose Vizcaino also double twice. Dave Mlicki coasts to the easy victory. 

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Rookie Roy Oswalt tosses a complete-game three-hitter to subdue the Reds, 6-1.

ByTom

2001 – Rookie Roy Oswalt tosses a complete-game three-hitter to subdue the Reds, 6-1. It’s his 12th win. Jeff Bagwell and Richard Hidalgo drive in a pair of runs each to support the cause. Houston stays four games ahead of Chicago in the NL Central chase. 

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Carlos Hernandez fires a masterful two-hit shutout over seven innings in his big league debut

ByThis Day in Baseball

2001 – Carlos Hernandez fires a masterful two-hit shutout over seven innings in his big league debut to snuff the Pirates, 3-0. Hernandez strikes out seven. Octavio Dotel tosses two perfect innings for the save. Moises Alou and Richard Hidalgo drive in runs while Jeff Bagwell steals home in the first inning.