Milwaukee @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 7, 2012 ) Milwaukee 3, Houston 6

After nine losses in a row, Houston hopes Saturday’s victory at Milwaukee is the start of something good. The Astros beat the Brewers 6-3 and look to head into the All-Star break with a modest two-game winning streak. Winning has been difficult for a Houston team that is 19 games under .500 (33-52) and mired 14½ games out in the National League Central. The Brewers have dropped three of their past four following a four-game winning streak.

Milwaukee fell apart in the first inning Saturday. Ace Zack Greinke was ejected after throwing only four pitches, and manager Ron Roenicke also was tossed in the inning. Houston’s Scott Moore continues providing a spark to the Astros’ offense, homering in the past two games and hitting three homers in his first eight games since being promoted from Triple-A.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Fox Sports Houston (Houston).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Milwaukee RH Marco Estrada (0-3, 4.32 ERA) vs. Houston RH Jordan Lyles (2-5, 5.40)

One start after striking out a career-high 12 in his return from the disabled list, Estrada whiffed six in six innings against Miami on Tuesday. He allowed four hits and two earned runs, getting a no-decision. Estrada has pounded the strike zone in his past two starts, striking out 18 with only two walks in 12 innings.

Lyles was 1-1 after beating the Reds on June 3, but has dropped four of his past five decisions. He allowed nine hits and seven earned runs in only four innings Monday against Pittsburgh, taking the loss. Left-handers are hitting .333 off Lyles with a 2.07 WHIP.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee right fielder Norichika Aoki carries a 14-game hitting streak into Sunday’s game.

2. Houston All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve collected three hits Saturday, raising his average to .304.

3. Milwaukee starter Randy Wolf made his first relief appearance since 2001 on Saturday, allowing three hits and one run in two innings.