Cincinnati @ Houston preview
Minute Maid Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2012 ) Cincinnati 4, Houston 2
The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds attempt to complete a sweep and extend their winning streak to a season-high seven games on Wednesday when they take on the floundering Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in the finale of their three-game series. Cincinnati, which owns a 2 1/2-game lead over Pittsburgh in the Central, has won 13 of its last 15 contests. The Reds rallied for a 4-2 triumph on Tuesday as Drew Stubbs highlighted a three-run ninth inning with a two-run homer off former Red Francisco Cordero.
With the victory, Cincinnati improved to a season-best 17 games over .500 (57-40). It is tied with Texas and Washington for the second-most wins in the major leagues, one behind the New York Yankees. Houston, meanwhile, fell to a major league-worst 34-64 with its eighth consecutive loss. The Astros have dropped 12 of their last 13 contests and 21 of 23.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Cincinnati, Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (9-6, 3.74 ERA) vs. Astros RH Bud Norris (5-8, 5.33)
Bailey has won each of his last four starts, including a triumph over Milwaukee on Friday in which he allowed one run and six hits over eight innings while striking out a career high-tying 10. The 26-year-old has yielded two earned runs or less in each of the four victories while working eight frames three times. Bailey has dominated Houston over his career, going 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA in five starts.
Norris has been the polar opposite of Bailey, losing seven consecutive starts. He surrendered nine runs on six hits and five walks in his last outing at Arizona on Friday. Norris, who will be making just his seventh start at home as opposed to 11 on the road, is 0-2 with a 7.23 ERA in four career outings against the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bailey is 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA in two career starts at Houston.
2. Cincinnati is 7-2 since losing 1B Joey Votto to a knee injury.
3. The Astros have allowed 45 runs over their last five games.