Houston @ Milwaukee preview
American Family Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 8, 2012 ) Milwaukee 5, Houston 3
With their franchise-record 12-game losing streak behind them, the Houston Astros take to the road as they begin a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Houston, which had blown ninth-inning leads in three of their previous five games, entered the frame against Pittsburgh on Sunday with a six-run advantage and held on for a 9-5 victory. The Astros finished their seven-game homestand 1-6 and have won three of their last 28 overall.
Milwaukee also has struggled, losing nine of its last 10. The Brewers squandered three leads over Washington on Sunday, including a two-run advantage in the ninth, and went on to drop an 11-10 decision in 11 frames. The closer's job appears to be up in the air as John Axford got - and blew - another save opportunity after Francisco Rodriguez had replaced him in the role and blew two of four chances. Axford has successfully saved only six of his last 12 opportunities.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Houston, Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Bud Norris (5-8, 5.05 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Marco Estrada (0-4, 4.52)
Norris is winless since May 21, going 0-7 over his last nine starts. The 27-year-old did not receive a decision against Cincinnati on Wednesday despite allowing only one run and five hits in seven innings. Norris improved to 4-3 lifetime against the Brewers when he yielded one run over seven frames at home on May 16. He was tagged for seven runs in 5 2/3 innings of a loss at Milwaukee on April 24.
Still in search of his first victory, Estrada will be making his 12th start of the season. The 29-year-old Mexican lasted only four innings at Philadelphia on Wednesday, surrendering five runs but escaping with a no-decision. Estrada has made four straight starts since tossing three scoreless innings of relief at Houston on July 8.
WALK-OFFS
1. 3B Chris Johnson was the latest to escape Houston as he was dealt to Arizona for two minor leaguers Sunday. He became the sixth player traded by the Astros this month.
2. Houston has not won consecutive games since June 26-27 against San Diego.
3. Rodriguez has allowed 10 runs in 2 2/3 innings over his last four appearances.