=== Houston Astros Team Report - August 15 === (My Sportsbook) - The struggling Astros will try to break a three-game losing streak tonight when they open up a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Houston, which has won 10 consecutive meetings with the Reds since falling in their first contest on April 8, is coming off three straight losses to the Chicago Cubs. Thanks to the skid, Houston has fallen back into a tie for the top spot in the Central with St. Louis. The duo also owns just a 1/2-game advantage over the third place Cubs. The Astros dropped a 7-1 decision to the Cubs on Thursday to extend their losing streak. Jared Fernandez (1-2) picked up the loss in just his third start of the season. He lasted four innings, giving up four runs and five hits while walking three and striking out four. Jeff Bagwell had a hit and a run scored for the Astros, who have lost four of their last six games. Houston managed just five hits in the contest. Houston lost for the first time in 11 series against the Cubs. The Astros also lost four of seven in Chicago to lose the season series at Wrigley for the first time in seven years. The Astros will send former Red Ron Villone to the hill tonight. Villone has won two of his last three contests, including a victory over Montreal last Sunday. The lefty surrendered just four hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings, while fanning five and walking one. Villone has been excellent against the Reds this year, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in a pair of starts. For his career, Villone has tallied a 5-0 mark with 2.72 ERA versus Cincinnati. Houston has dominated this series since the start of the 2001 campaign, winning 31 of 44 meetings, including 15 of 21 in Cincinnati. |
