Expo Pitchers Do It All in 10-2 Rout

Shane Reynolds pitched a three-hitter and added a two-run double in a six-run third inning as the Houston Astros defeated the Montreal Expos, 10-2, on Wednesday night.

It was a big night for Expo reliever Dustin Hermanson too. The right-hander hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat, becoming the first pitcher in five years to hit a homer in his first major-league at-bat and first player since Atlanta’s Jermaine Dye did it May 17, 1996.

Reynolds (2-1) didn’t give up a hit until Mark Grudzielanek doubled to start the fifth inning. Two outs later, Hermanson hit a homer over the left-field fence. Reynolds struck out 10 and didn’t walk a batter in his second complete game of the season.

Derek Bell led Houston’s 10-hit attack with four consecutive hits, including a run-scoring double in the sixth inning. The Astros had four doubles, three in the third inning.

Marc Valdes (0-2) gave up six runs and six hits over 2 2/3 innings and had one strike out and four walks.

Bell started the third with the second of three consecutive singles and Luis Gonzalez walked before Russ Johnson scored Bell with a single to center field.

Bill Spiers followed with a two-run double and Brad Ausmus was intentionally walked. Reynolds then delivered a two-run double down the third base line and Craig Biggio added the final run of the inning with a double to left-center.

Expo pitchers walked 11 batters, including a bases-load walk by Everett Stull in the seventh.

Tests were negative for Astro pitcher Sid Fernandez, who has missed two starts because of tendinitis in his left biceps. Fernandez won’t go on the disabled list and will pitch on the sidelines until he’s ready for another start.

Expo right fielder F.P. Santangelo left the game in the fifth because of a contusion of his right lower ribs after sliding into first base. His status was listed as day to day.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

NEXT SERIES FOR DODGERS

WHO: Houston Astros

WHERE: Dodger Stadium

WHEN: Friday 7 p.m.

Saturday 7 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m.