The game was tied going to the bottom of the ninth. Washington made a major mistake as their relief pitcher Joel Hanrahan walked Kaz Matsui. As he trotted to first base, I thought, there is the winning run. The reason that came to my mind is Matsui is a craftly little player who takes advantage of any little mistake.

The Astros have have been running this year especially at the top of the order. They have 32 stolen bases which is tied for third in the National league. By comparison, last season, they only stole 33 bases for the entire year.

So with Kaz on first, he was a threat to go. He already had one steal in the game. The second mistake was when the pitch was low, the catcher bobbled the ball, and Matsui took off. The throw was perfect but not better than Matsui's instincts as he was safe by an eyelash.

He made it easier on his club as he read the pitchers pattern and stole third base. That was mistake number three for Washington. (Isn't it three strikes you're out in baseball?) It was great playing for the Astros second baseman. He knows what he can do on the basepaths. He reminds me of how Jeff Bagwell used to run the bases. Bags was as good as I have ever seen.

The little things in the game make such a difference and you love it if you are Carlos Lee. He stood in the batters box in the ninth inning with Kaz on third, Berkman on first with one out. He hit a shot to center and Matsui trotted home for the game winner. Another big win, the Astros eighth in a row at home.

Cecil Cooper has asked his players to use their baseball sense as they play. We are seeing that all over the field right now but the classic example was last night. Some players have it and some don't. This club does!