Astros’ Bad Start Ends Up a 7-5 Loss

The Astros gave up four runs in the first inning and fell to Montreal, 7-5, Tuesday night, only their second loss at home this season.

Houston had given up only three runs in the first inning of its previous 13 games.

After his rough start, Astro starter Chris Holt (1-1) settled down.

“I felt pretty good,” Holt said. “It was just that first inning and that last inning. I threw a couple of bad pitches. In between, I pitched some good innings. You have to stress the positive.

“I was getting the ball down then, I just have to get in there and make my pitches from the start.”

Pedro Martinez made his season debut for the Expos and turned in six strong innings. Martinez, on suspension for the first seven games, threw 94 pitches, allowed three hits and struck out five.

The Astros were impressed. “I think he threw really well,” Manager Larry Dierker said. “He was throwing 93, 94, 95 mph, and his control was good. He had it tonight. I think it was quite a feat for Russ Johnson to get his first major league home run against Martinez the way he was throwing.”

Martinez was involved in a bench-clearing brawl with the Phillies on Sept. 24, resulting in an eight-game suspension. He served one game of it last year, then had to sit out the first seven to start this season. His first start was scheduled April 10 against St. Louis, but it was snowed out.

“I felt kind of lost on the mound at first,” Martinez said, “but after a while it was all normal. The guys got me a lot of runs early and that helped.

“I felt really good. I wasn’t rusty. It’s good to finally get out there. I’ve always liked pitching here.”

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