University Southern California Trojans
Prior Loses Matchup of Rookie Phenoms
September 02, 2002 | Baseball
August 21, 2002
HOUSTON (AP) -- Carlos Hernandez felt better this time.
In his second start since returning from the disabled list on Sunday, Hernandez scattered four hits over six innings, pitching the Houston Astros to a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
"We really didn't know how he would pitch. Even though he told us he felt good, you never really know,'' Houston manager Jimy Williams said. "I was glad he was able to go so deep in the game.''
Hernandez tied a career high with eight strikeouts and walked three. It was his first win since beating the Cubs on May 31. He had been on the disabled list because of a sore left shoulder.
After struggling though two innings in his last start, Hernandez' confidence was low.
"I had my head down a little. This will give me part of my confidence back,'' Hernandez said.
Hernandez (6-4) beat Chicago's Mark Prior in a matchup of rookie starters.
Prior (6-4) pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on 12 hits. He struck out three and walked two.
Octavio Dotel pitched the final 2 1/3 innings for his fifth save.
It was Houston's seventh shutout. Six have been combined shutouts.
Houston took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Jose Vizcaino led off with his third home run of the season. One out later, Lance Berkman singled and moved to third on a double by Jeff Bagwell. Daryle Ward drove in Berkman with a single and Bagwell scored on a single by Richard Hidalgo.
The Astros increased their lead to 4-0 in the fourth when Craig Biggio singled and scored on a double by Ward.
