=== Houston Astros Team Report - May 31 === (My Sportsbook) - The Houston Astros try to climb into a tie for first place in the National League's Central Division today as they take on the front- running Chicago Cubs in the middle contest of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Yesterday, Wade Miller threw a two-hitter and Morgan Ensberg homered as the Astros spoiled the return of slugger Sammy Sosa and pounded the Cubs, 9-1. Miller (3-6) allowed just one run to go along with a career-high 14 strikeouts and one walk. Brad Ausmus drove in three runs in the victory for Houston, which has won three of its last four after dropping three straight. The Astros enter the day also just one game in front of the St. Louis Cardinals for second in the division. Roy Oswalt gets the ball this afternoon for the Astros, as he returns from the 15-day disabled list. The 25-year-old righthander has not pitched since May 15 due to a strained right groin, an injury he suffered while legging out a double that day against Pittsburgh. Oswalt is 5-2 with a 3.88 ERA in nine career outings against the Cubs. He is also 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA in five appearances at Wrigley Field. Oswalt went 4-0 in five starts last year against the Cubs. Houston has won four of the last six meetings overall and has taken four of its last five at Wrigley Field. The Astros have won seven of their last 10 on the road. The Astros are in the midst of 13 straight contests against either the Cubs or Cardinals. Houston is 6-5 so far during the stretch. |
