San Diego @ Houston preview

San Diego at Houston

Last Meeting ( Jun 26, 2012 ) San Diego 3, Houston 5

The Houston Astros hope to continue their offensive surge Wednesday when they host the San Diego Padres in the third of their four-game series. Houston has scored a total of 27 runs while winning three of its last four contests after crossing the plate only once in its previous three games. The Astros evened their series against the Padres with a 5-3 triumph on Tuesday, although San Diego scored twice in the ninth inning and then loaded the bases before Brett Myers nailed down his 17th save.

With the win, Houston evened its record to 4-4 during its 10-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Padres dropped to 1-1 on its 10-game road trip as they failed to win their third straight, which would have tied their season high. San Diego received some good news, however, as first baseman Yonder Alonso pinch-hit in the ninth inning after missing two games with a sore left knee.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN (San Diego, Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (5-7, 3.95 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lucas Harrell (6-6, 4.77 ERA)

Richard is seeking his fourth consecutive victory. After allowing a total of one run over 14 2/3 innings in his previous two starts, the 28-year-old yielded five runs - three earned - over 6 2/3 frames in a triumph over Seattle on Friday. Richard, who is 2-4 with a 4.88 ERA in eight road outings this season, was tagged for six runs over 5 1/3 innings in his only career meeting with Houston on April 17, 2011, at Minute Maid Park.

Harrell deserved a better fate against Cleveland on Friday as he suffered his second straight loss despite allowing just one run and two hits with a career-high nine strikeouts in seven innings. The 27-year-old had surrendered four or more runs in each of his previous four starts. Harrell, who will be facing San Diego for the first time in his career, is 4-1 in six home outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Richard helped himself at the plate Friday, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs against the Mariners.

2. San Diego OF Chris Denorfia enters with a career-high 12-game hitting streak after sitting out Tuesday's loss.

3. Houston's starting pitchers have posted a 2.36 ERA over their last eight contests.