Cincinnati @ Houston preview
Minute Maid Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 27, 2009 ) Cincinnati 2, Houston 3
The Houston Astros were the National League's doormat through the first eight games of the season, but things are beginning to even out.
The Astros will be looking for their ninth win in the last 11 games when they open a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.
The last team in the majors to earn a win this season, Houston began 0-8 due to a stagnant offense that generated just 14 runs and was shut out three times. But the last 10 games have brought with it a more normal offensive output, with 46 runs crossing the plate to lead the Astros to an 8-2 mark.
They exploded for a season-high 10 runs in a thrashing of the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, including the first homer of the season from All-Star slugger Lance Berkman, who missed the first 12 games after undergoing knee surgery.
Carlos Lee has also benefited from Berkman's return, amassing six of his 11 total hits - including all three of his extra-base hits - since the return of his slugging partner. The burly Lee was batting .122 with a paltry .104 slugging percentage in Berkman's absence.
Hunter Pence has started to pick it up of late as well, pushing his average up over.200 to .209 with a pair of hits on Sunday. Pence is 7-for-22 since Berkman's return.
Second-year stud Bud Norris will take the mound for Houston on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old right-hander has struck out 17 in 12 2/3 innings this season but has yet to make it into the sixth inning in any of his three starts due mainly to high pitch counts. Norris has issued nine walks in three starts but yielded only two in his last outing - a no-decision against the Florida Marlins on Wednesday.
Norris is part of a promising staff that includes Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers. If the offense continues to hold its weight, the team will go as far as the rotation will take it.
The Reds will counter with veteran Aaron Harang. The right-hander has gotten off to a rough start in 2010, allowing 20 earned runs in 21 1/3 innings over four starts. Harang, who turns 32 on May 8, was lit up for seven runs - six earned - and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings to absorb a loss Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cincinnati avoided a series sweep on Sunday when they posted a 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres. Ramon Hernandez singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth and Scott Rolen homered for the Reds.