So let's just reach into Thursday's swirl and pick out a sequence to explain why theRockies lost again. 

Right-hander Geoff Geary was placed on the disabled list Thursday with biceps tendinitis. 

--When the season started, GM Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper viewed the bullpen as the strength of the club. 

--LHP Wandy Rodriguez had a career-high 11 strikeouts while giving up only two earned runs in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Rockies. 

Despite injuries to several core players, the Chicago Cubs have managed to get by thanks to some lesser-known contributors. 

Despite injuries to several core players, the Chicago Cubs have managed to get by thanks to some lesser-known contributors. 

Astros update 

Checking in 

Michael Bourn can't remember ever stealing home before. 

Wandy Rodriguez struck out a career-high 11 and Michael Bourn became the latest player to steal home, leading the Houston Astros to a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. 

CORPUS CHRISTI - Corpus Christi pounded out 18 hits - three for home runs - and routed the Frisco RoughRiders, 13-6, on Wednesday. 

--The Astros produced the second-highest hit total in team history with 24 Wednesday. 

--Astros GM Ed Wade flew into Corpus Christi to watch RHP Brandon Backe (strained left side muscle) make the fourth of his five scheduled rehab starts for the organization's Class AA affiliate. 

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. 

Inconsistent performances plagued Wandy Rodriguez in his first four major league seasons.