Houston @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2012 ) Houston 3, Chi. Cubs 0

The Houston Astros played the first game in franchise history 50 years ago, beating the Chicago Cubs on April 10, 1962. So it seems appropriate that Houston will be playing its final game as a National League team against the Cubs in Chicago on Wednesday. The Astros have posted back-to-back 3-0 victories in the first two games of the series and have won five of six games as they look to avoid setting a franchise record with a 107th defeat Wednesday.

The Cubs, meanwhile, are playing like the season ended a week ago. Chicago has mustered a total of six hits in the first two games of the series and has dropped nine of 10 games overall. Their 101 losses are second only to Houston for the worst record in baseball, but team president Theo Epstein gave first-year manager Dale Sveum a vote of confidence Tuesday, saying he's done a "fantastic job."

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSH (Houston), WGN (Chicago).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Edgar Gonzalez (3-1, 4.15 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Travis Wood (6-13, 4.39)

Gonzalez has been a pleasant surprise since he was signed out of the Mexican League in August. He won his last start in Milwaukee, giving up three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings after having his previous outing cut short by an ailing hamstring. Gonzalez, who had pitched only two innings in the majors since 2009, has won all three of his road starts with a 2.81 ERA.

Wood will look to halt a three-start winless streak against the last team he beat. He lasted five innings and took the loss at Arizona in his last start, giving up five runs on five hits in five innings. Wood's season took a decided downturn after the All-Star break - he's gone 2-10 in that span. Wood is 2-1 in three starts against Houston this year, yielding only three runs on nine hits in 21 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have three straight shutouts and four in the last six games. The franchise has never had four consecutive shutouts.

2. Chicago's Starlin Castro has started 160 games at shortstop and can become the first player in franchise history to appear in all 162 games at the position.

3. Tuesday's game was the first matchup of 100-loss teams since Sept. 30, 1962.