Houston @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 12, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 5, Houston 1

The Chicago Cubs host the Houston Astros on Monday to begin a three-game series that will end disappointing seasons for both. The Cubs snapped a seven-game losing streak in Arizona on Sunday with a 7-2 victory, avoiding their 100th loss. The Astros have won three of four games, but they stand at 106 losses, which equals the franchise record they set in 2011.

There will be plenty of talented young players on display in the final set to spur optimism for next season. Chicago’s Starlin Castro (.285, 14 HR, 78 RBI) has had a solid third season and Anthony Rizzo, acquired from San Diego in the offseason, has 15 homers in 85 games. Houston has gotten a strong year from Jose Altuve (.291, 33 SB), and Matt Dominguez, acquired from Miami for Carlos Lee, has five homers in 98 at bats.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSH (Houston), CSC (Chicago).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lucas Harrell (10-11, 3.88 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Berken (0-2, 6.00)

Harrell has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 13 of his last 14 starts, but is just 3-5 in that stretch. The right-hander last won on Aug. 14 against the Cubs, allowing one run over eight innings. Harrell has given up five homers in his last 17 outings after surrendering eight in his first 14. Harrell has 133 strikeouts over 187 2/3 innings.

Berken, claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, has made three starts with the Cubs. He was beaten by Colorado in his last outing, allowing six runs over four innings. Berken pitched six shutout innings in his second start against the Reds, but did not get a decision. Of the 19 runs Berken has surrendered this season, including seven with the Orioles, 10 were earned.

WALK-OFFS

1. Castro has played in all 159 games at shortstop this season for the Cubs, one short of the franchise record set by Ivan DeJesus in 1978 and 79.

2. The Cubs have won five of six against the Astros in Chicago this season and are 37-41 at Wrigley Field overall.

3. The Astros have hit three or more homers in three straight games for the first time since 2003.