(My Sportsbook) - The Atlanta Braves will shoot for their fourth consecutive victory this evening, when they continue their three-game set against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Atlanta took the first contest of this series, 3-1, on Tuesday. The Braves have won 12 of their last 14 games after starting the season 4-8.

Greg Maddux threw seven innings of one-run ball in the winning effort. Maddux (3-3), who is 3-0 in his last four starts after beginning the season 0-3, allowed just five hits and struck out five without walking a batter. John Smoltz struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save of the season.

Gary Sheffield drove in a pair of runs to aid the Braves in the winning effort. Andruw Jones also knocked in a run in the victory.

The Braves activated first baseman Robert Fick from the 15-day disabled list and optioned catcher Johnny Estrada to Richmond of the International League. Fick started and went 1-for-3 on Tuesday.

Atlanta will hand the ball to veteran lefthander Mike Hampton this evening. Hampton performed very well in a no-decision against St. Louis last week. The southpaw limited the Cardinals to just two hits and two runs over six frames, while walking four and fanning one.

Hampton has posted a 1-0 mark with a 5.95 ERA against the Astros in his career. The lefty has allowed 22 hits and 13 earned runs over 19 2/3 innings of action versus Houston.