Today's Atlanta-Houston game had to be one of the ugliest pitching days for the Braves in the playoffs. Thomson left afer four pitches, not being able to overcome his injury. Paul Byrd stepped into the breach; he threw strikes (67%) but they were hittable strikes and the Astros scored four in 4 1/3 innings off him. Five more relievers gave up five more walks and four more runs as the Astros won 8-5.

Clemens takes the mound tomorrow. The Astros are in great shape to win their first playoff series.