Slugger Lance Berkman ... who had a big 2-run homer in the 8th inning ...said afterwards,"I don't know about that (magic) ....but guys are playing well .... and everyone seems like they're contributing ...having good at bats and the pitching good .... it definately feels like 'we're gonna win this game'. It's just like any other winning streak ... whenever you get a good feeling going .... you just try to keep it going."

The Astros have now won 8 straight while Milwaukee finally dropped a game today to San Diego. Before that loss though the Brewers had matched the Astros 7 game streak with a 7 game streak of their own. With today Astros win and Brewers loss ... the Astros pull to within 7 1/2 games of the wild-card spot.

Sure it's a long, long shot ....but the Astros are not far off from the standings where they were in 2004 ... when they put their first late season run together under Manager Phil Garner. Pitcher Brian Moehler said afterwards,"I didn't locate well today. My 2-seamer and 4-seamer were cutting back over the plate." Then Moehler summed up the emotion of the clubhouse,"Any time you're on a roll and playing well ....it's fun and you get to enjoy yourself a little bit ... and cut up a little bit I guess."

The Astros are on a roll. It might end tomorrow ...when the first place team in the NL West comes to town....Arizona. But right now .... even though over the next 10 days they have to play the Diamondbacks, the Brewers and the Mets ....anything seems possible...and Cecil Cooper looks smarter as a manager everyday. Coop learned on the job in front of the Astros fans this season ...and it hasn't been easy ...but lately ...everytime he makes a move ....it works out. Congrats Coop! Only you felt like David Newhan would have a big day filling in for Kaz Matsui oday ....he was outstanding in the field ...and he had two hits. You told us you would put him out there again on Friday ....'cause you're going with your gut. And I say go with it. You're on a roll ....I agree with you .. there is some magic in the dugout right now!!