(My Sportsbook) - The Astros fell to Greg Maddux and the Braves last night by a score of 3-1. Houston has lost five out of its last six games. The Astros look to even the series at one game apiece tonight in the second game of this three-game set at Minute Maid Ballpark.

Houston will send righthander Wade Miller to the hill. Miller has lost two of his last three starts, including a defeat to the New York Mets last week. The Reading, PA native was tagged for six hits and five earned runs over three innings, while walking four and fanning one.

Miller has tallied a 1-1 record with a 4.15 ERA against the Braves in his career. Miller has struggled particularly against Hampton, who is 4-for-5 in his career with two home runs and five RBI.

Jeff Kent drove in the lone run yesterday for the Astros, who have lost seven of their last nine games.

Astros starter Roy Oswalt threw seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits. The righthander struck out seven and walked a pair. Oswalt (2-3) settled down after allowing two runs on four hits in the first inning. He retired 14 straight batters before Gary Sheffield walked with one out in the sixth inning.

Astros outfielder Lance Berkman was ejected after a called third strike leading off the seventh inning when he argued with plate umpire Terry Craft.

Houston's Jeff Bagwell went 0-for-4 to have his hitting streak end at seven games.