Houston @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 20, 2012 ) Houston 8, Arizona 13

The Houston Astros are coming off their best offensive output in nearly a month - but that's where the good news ends. The Astros have lost 17 of 19 and have the worst record in the majors at 34-60 as they try to avoid losing their sixth straight series Saturday at Arizona. The Diamondbacks pounded Houston pitching in a 13-8 win in the series opener and have scored 26 runs in their past three games.

Arizona is trying to clinch its first series win since the All-Star break and cling to its slim playoff hopes. The Diamondbacks are seven games behind San Francisco in the National League West and 6 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot. Saturday's tilt features a matchup of left-handers, with Houston sending rookie Dallas Keuchel to the hill against Diamondbacks All-Star Wade Miley.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Houston, Fox Sports Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 2.45 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Wade Miley (10-5, 3.13)

Keuchel was recalled for his second stint in the majors after a brief stop at Triple-A Oklahoma City. His first three big-league starts were impressive, including a six-hit complete game, but he allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings at Pittsburgh in his last start with Houston on July 4.

Miley wasn't at his sharpest Monday at Cincinnati, but he still managed to pick up his 10th win, allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings to snap a two-start losing streak. The All-Star has not recorded a quality start in his last three outings after doing so in four straight and seven of eight previously.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona 2B Aaron Hill is riding an 11-game hitting streak during which he is 18-for-47 (.383) during the streak.

2. The Astros' eight runs Friday were their most since June 23, and their 14 hits were their most since June 2.

3. Miley is trying to set the Diamondbacks' franchise record for wins by a rookie pitcher. He shares the record with Oscar Villarreal (2003), Brandon Webb (2003) and Josh Collmenter (2011).