Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez is catcher Ivan Rodriguez's biggest cheerleader as they head into Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Colorado Rockies on impressive streaks.
"I've learned a lot from Pudge," Wandy Rodriguez said. "He's a very smart catcher. And with him I'm not afraid to throw any pitch at any count because I trust the way he calls games." Wandy Rodriguez is 3-2 with a 1.80 ERA, which ranks as the third in the major leagues this season. Ivan Rodriguez is the all-time leader in hits by a catcher with 2,633. Moreover, his next home run will be the 300th of his career and 293rd as a catcher.
Wandy Rodriguez's ascent this season has much to do with his commitment to consistently mix in quality changeups with his great curveball and decent fastball.
He also has displayed better mound presence this year, and that is partly because of having Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate.
"I've learned to have more confidence in myself," the lefty said. "He's given me a lot of confidence this season. For a player of his caliber in the top category of players in history, he makes it easy to feel comfortable with him.
"He's like a friend, and that has given me more confidence."
ASTROS 15, ROCKIES 11: With 24 hits, one shy of the franchise record, and at least two hits from each member of the lineup for the first time in club history, the Astros pounded the Rockies. Geoff Blum knocked in five runs, three on a fourth-inning double off Glendon Rusch, and Lance Berkman snapped his slump by going 4-for-4.
