Zaun’s slam is a grand one for Astros

Charles Rich

A look at local major league baseball players:

IN THE PINCH

It might not rank up there with the on-the-field celebration of

winning the World Series, but Gregg Zaun created a World Series-like

atmosphere Thursday.

Zaun, a 1989 St. Francis High graduate, hit a walk-off, pinch-hit

grand slam home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning

to carry the Houston Astros to a 7-4 victory over the Arizona

Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park.

Zaun, a switch-hitting catcher, hit an 0-2 pitch off Arizona

closer Byung-Hyun Kim that just cleared the fence and touched off a

celebration at home plate. Zaun, who signed a two-year contract after

playing with the Kansas City Royals last season, danced around the

bases before he was greeted by teammates at home plate.

“I was just looking for anybody to high-five,” Zaun told MLB.com.

“I just wanted to celebrate with everybody. I wanted everybody to be

a part of it. I just wanted to jump in the stands and high five

everyone in the stands, too.”

Zaun’s grand slam was the first ever in his life.

It marked the second home run this week for Zaun, who helped the

Florida Marlins win the 1997 World Series. The 31-year-old Zaun began

the Arizona series on a good note when he hit a two-run home run off

co-World Series MVP Curt Schilling in Houston’s 7-3 win Tuesday.

BACK IN THE FOLD

A disappointing season by the Milwaukee Brewers hasn’t hampered

second baseman Mark Loretta.

Loretta, a 1989 St. Francis High graduate, isn’t the main reason

why the Brewers are 28-50 and languishing in last place of the

National League Central Division entering tonight’s interleague game

against the host Minnesota Twins. He’s made some recent

contributions.

Loretta, who tore a thumb ligament and broke a leg last year,

delivered a pinch-hit run-scoring single in Milwaukee’s 8-2 loss to

the Anaheim Angels on June 24. In Sunday’s 5-2 defeat to the Angels,

Loretta finished with two doubles and a single.

He had two hits and two walks in a 7-2 win against the Cardinals

on Thursday.