Friday, August 31, 2001
Oswalt gets raves from both dugouts
The Associated Press
HOUSTON — Roy Oswalt isn't impressed by his accomplishments.
“I'm just going out and having fun,” he said after his three-hitter led the Houston Astros over the Reds 6-1 Thursday. “With the offense and defense we have, we can score 10 runs in one inning. I'm trying not to change anything and just be aggressive.”
He matched the team record for rookie wins, set by Jim Deshaies, who went 12-5 in 1986. It was his second complete game — and three-hitter — in 24 major league starts.
“I'm not looking into it too much,” Oswalt said of his record.
Houston has won four straight and 11 of 13, maintaining a four-game lead over second-place Chicago in the NL Central. The Astros have won seven straight home games for the first time since a nine-game streak from Aug. 28-Sept. 12, 1998.
Oswalt (12-2) allowed a solo home run by Adam Dunn in the second, a single by Dunn in the eighth and a single by Dmitri Young in the ninth. He struck out nine, one short of his career high, and walked none. He also pitched a three-hitter against Montreal on Aug. 4.
“He has a real quick arm,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “We weren't picking up the rotation on his breaking ball and it was dropping in for strikes. He has good command of everything. For a young kid, that is special. He is a special find.”
Astros manager Larry Dierker liked Oswalt's progress.
“He was the Texas League pitcher of the year last year, and if he'd started in our rotation from the start of the season, he might be the National League pitcher of the year,” Dierker said.
“He throws fastballs in the low to mid-90s and he has a good curve and change,” Young said. “The thing about him is you can't tell the difference. That's what it takes to win.”
Reds Stories
Bengals lose Mitchell for six weeks
Colts 23, Bengals 17
Replacement referees get mixed reviews
Bengals run up rushing stats
Bengals-Colts statistics
Bengals' Barndt charged with DUI
Prep football page
Hamilton's Underwood has solid skills
New offense makes Princeton potent
Kings, Mason resume rivalry
Kings, Mason friends and foes
Highlands coach not concerned about 0-2 start
Peerless Preps Prognostications
Top games in Greater Cincinnati
Top games in Northern Kentucky
Cooper takes mike for UC-Purdue telecast
Parking tips for UC-Purdue game
11 ex-winners in Kroger Classic today
Golf rabbit's tale: Have van, will travel
Kroger Senior Classic tee times
Bonds watches teammates homer
Cincinnati soccer highlights
CovCath renews old soccer series
Cincinnati high school results
N.Ky. high school results
NKU signs former Illinois standout
• Return to Reds front page...
Oswalt gets raves from both dugouts
