(My Sportsbook) - Houston was tough to beat at home last year, recording the fifth-best record (47-34) in the National League. The Astros took full advantage of the friendly confines of Minute Maid Park, which is why their slow home start in 2003 is surprising.

Houston's juice has run out at home, as it has lost four straight there to fall to 5-6 in such games. Since a 3-2 win over St. Louis at home on April 11, the Astros have gone winless at Minute Maid Park.

The Astros' home struggles continued on Wednesday in the form of an 11-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves. It was the sixth loss in seven games overall for the Astros.

Wade Miller remained winless (0-3), giving up eight hits and five runs over five frames. Miller, off to his worst start in his five year career, struck out and walked two before exiting stage left. The twirler couldn't outpitch former teammate Mike Hampton, who pitched for the Astros from 1994 through 1999.

"He [Hampton] told me to just go after the hitters and keep it down," Miller said. "That's my problem. I can't keep it down. I've been working on it between starts so I'm just out of sync. I'm just not locating it properly."

Hampton didn't allow his former squad to keep Miller in the game, as the Braves surrendered only four hits and one run over seven innings en route to his first victory in an Atlanta uniform.

"I've got some really good friends over there and it's fun to face them," said Hampton. "I've been gone for three years, but I still keep in touch with them. Between the lines, though, I will battle them."

The only offense that the Astros could muster was a Morgan Ensberg solo homer in the fourth inning. Jeff Kent was the only Houston player with multiple hits as he finished 2-for-3 on the night.

"You can pick your poison today," catcher Brad Ausmus said after the contest. "There wasn't a facet of our game today that was even remotely major-league caliber."

LUGO ARRESTED

Astros shortstop Julio Lugo was arrested following the loss to Braves on Wednesday night. Lugo was taken into custody and accused of assaulting his wife in the parking lot of Minute Maid Park just before the contest.

Lugo, 27, was charged with family violence-contact in connection with the assault on 25-year-old Mabely Lugo. The infielder was charged with hitting his wife in the face and slamming her head on a car hood.

Lugo is charged with Class A misdemeanor assault. His bail is set at $50,000 for the offense. It is unknown whether Lugo has posted bail as of yet.

WHO'S HOT

Kent has been very successful at the plate in recent games, going 14-of-38 (.368) in the last 10 contests. During the span, Kent has two homers, six RBI and seven runs scored.

WHO'S NOT

Craig Biggio has struggled at the plate lately, mustering just two hits in his last 15 at-bats. Biggio's batting average has slipped 17 points to just .243 for the year. The 37-year-old has posted six homers and 15 RBI this season.

COMING UP

The Astros better turn their home play around because their next eight games are at Minute Maid Park. Houston finishes up its three-game set with Atlanta tonight and hosts Florida this weekend.