Veras Learns He Who Waits Loses

Bill Spiers shared the credit with third base coach Mike Cubbage after scoring from first base on a long single by Moises Alou and surprising the San Diego Padres.

“That was a really exciting play and the credit goes to two guys, Spiers for forcing the play and Cubbage for sending him,” Houston Manager Larry Dierker said after the Astros’ 5-2 victory Sunday night.

San Diego second baseman Quilvio Veras handled the relay throw from left fielder Greg Vaughn.

“I was surprised the throw wasn’t made immediately. [Veras] had the ball when the runner was rounding third and didn’t attempt to throw the ball when he first got it,” losing pitcher Joey Hamilton lamented.

“[Veras] just didn’t come up with the throw. It was good hustle on Spiers’ part and aggressive baseball. We just got outplayed,” San Diego Manager Bruce Bochy said.

Cubbage wasn’t taking any of Spiers’ glory.

“He gets all the credit. He never gave up. He ran hard all the way,” Cubbage said. “I thought the throw was going to the shortstop. When it went to the second baseman I knew I was going to send him. Billy made it work.”

Barely.

“I was pushing it a little bit. I was running out of juice, but I think any time a ball is hit in the gap you’ve got to score,” Spiers said.

Houston has won four of five and at 31-18 is off to the best start in franchise history.

Pete Schourek (2-2) pitched five innings for the win, giving up two runs and five hits while striking out seven.