Washington @ Houston preview
Minute Maid Park
Last Meeting ( May 31, 2010 ) Washington 14, Houston 4
The Houston Astros are hoping for better things in June. Things couldn't be much worse than they were in May.
The Astros look for a fresh start to the new month on Tuesday when they continue their four-game series with the Washington Nationals.
Houston concluded a 9-20 month of May with a dismal effort, dropping a 14-4 decision to Washington. Ace Roy Oswalt lasted just 2 1/3 innings before being ejected by home plate umpire Bill Hohn for arguing balls and strikes.
It was the third time in four games the Astros allowed the opposition to reach double digits, as the club has been outscored, 41-14, during that span.
Losers of seven of its last nine, Houston fell to 9-19 at Minute Maid Park this season and 0-1 on its seven-game homestand.
The Astros are counting on another solid effort from Brett Myers, who has allowed three earned runs or less in six of his last seven starts.
Myers has worked at least six innings in each of his 10 outings this season. The 29-year old right-hander also has had success at home, going 2-0 in five starts.
Tuesday's outing will be Myers' 34th career appearance against the Montreal-Washington franchise, his highest total vs. any team. His 10 victories - against nine losses - also is tops against any major league club.
Myers has had trouble with a pair of Washington hitters. Ryan Zimmerman owns a .361 career average (13-for-36) vs. Myers with two home runs and 14 RBIs, while Josh Willingham is 7-for-20 (.350) with two blasts and five RBIs.
The Nationals counter with Craig Stammen, who is seeking his first victory since April 19. The 26-year old is 0-2 in his last seven starts.
Stammen, who yielded two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings against San Francisco on Thursday, pitched the only complete game of his career at Houston on July 11.
After going eight games without driving in a run, Zimmerman has belted three homers and collected six RBIs in his last two contests. Willingham has reached safely in 20 consecutive starts.
Washington improved to 3-4 on its 10-game road trip with the help of a nine-run seventh inning on Monday. It was the team's most productive frame since relocating from Montreal prior to the 2005 season.
Adam Dunn, who delivered a three-run double earlier in the game, ignited the huge inning with an RBI single and Ian Desmond plated a pair with a base hit, giving the Nationals an 8-2 lead.
Carlos Maldonado belted a three-run homer, his first blast since 2007, and Zimmerman capped the outburst four batters later with a three-run shot of his own.