Colorado @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 14, 2018 ) Colorado 5, Houston 1

Nolan Arenado has registered his fourth consecutive 30-homer campaign and looks to help the Colorado Rockies complete a two-game interleague sweep when they visit the struggling Houston Astros on Wednesday. Arenado served as the designated hitter on Tuesday due to a shoulder injury and belted a two-run shot to help the Rockies post a 5-1 triumph for their fourth consecutive win.

Arenado hasn't played third base since departing Friday's contest with soreness in his throwing shoulder and likely will be the DH again on Wednesday with an off-day to follow. Colorado, which has given up just 10 runs during its winning streak, trails first-place Arizona by one game in the National League West and Philadelphia by 1 1/2 for the second wild-card spot. The Astros have suffered a season high-tying five straight losses for the second time since the All-Star break as their lead in the American League West has been reduced to just one game over Oakland. Houston recorded just three hits in its latest setback as it continues to miss three-time batting champion Jose Altuve, who has been sidelined since injuring his right knee against the Rockies on July 25.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-4, 3.94 ERA) vs. Astros RH Gerrit Cole (10-5, 2.75)

Anderson is winless over his last six turns but has suffered just one setback during the stretch. The 28-year-old settled for a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last outing after giving up one run and four hits over six innings. Anderson did not factor in the decision in his lone career start against Houston on July 24, when he gave up two runs - one earned - and three hits over 7 1/3 frames.

Cole has lost three straight starts, posting a 4.26 ERA during the slide. The 27-year-old has registered a career-best 207 strikeouts and is limiting opponents to a .187 batting average - well below his previous career low of .239 set in 2015. Cole did not receive a decision when he faced Anderson on July 24, when he gave up two runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings, and is 3-1 with a 2.56 ERA in five career outings versus the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have lost nine straight home games since defeating Detroit on July 14.

2. Colorado placed RHP Scott Oberg on the paternity list and recalled INF Garrett Hampson from Triple-A Albuquerque.

3. Houston All-Star OF George Springer (thumb) is expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday, while C Brian McCann (knee) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Fresno on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Astros 3