(My Sportsbook) - After a rare loss to Pittsburgh last night, the Houston Astros attempt to bounce back strong against the Bucs today at PNC Park.

Before the 3-2 setback on Wednesday, Houston had defeated Pittsburgh in 10 consecutive meetings.

Houston starter Wade Miller (1-5) was saddled with the loss yesterday despite surrendering only three runs on seven hits while fanning five and walking three.

Jeff Kent hit a two-run homer for the Astros, who had a three-game winning streak snapped.

Roy Oswalt will head to the mound today for Houston, and he is 4-2 lifetime in seven career starts against the Pirates. The 25-year-old righthander is 0-3 over his last four outings, last winning April 18 at Milwaukee.

Houston has scored just 11 runs over his last four starts.

Oswalt's last outing on Friday at Philadelphia resulted in a defeat as he allowed six hits and three runs over six innings.

The Astros are 6-1 this season against Pittsburgh and have won 18 of the last 25 meetings.

Kent has been an outstanding addition to the Houston lineup, as he is batting .313 with seven home runs and 28 RBI.