Chicago @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 4, Houston 1

The Chicago Cubs seek a season-best fifth straight victory when they visit the Houston Astros in Tuesday’s second contest of a three-game set. Chicago has posted four of the victories on the road for their longest period of success away from home since July 31-Aug. 4, 2011. The Cubs are 21-52 on the road. Houston has the worst record in the majors at 44-97 and is heading toward a franchise-worst mark.

The Astros are about to begin interviewing managerial candidates for the 2013 campaign. Interim manager Tony DeFrancesco is one of the candidates under consideration. Houston’s lone run in the opener was driven in by catcher Jason Castro, who is batting .280 over his last 50 at-bats. Chicago is also giving playing time to young players and outfielder Dave Sappelt was Monday’s standout, driving in three runs and scoring Chicago’s other run on a wild pitch. Sappelt was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Sept. 1.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), FS Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Justin Germano (2-6, 6.16 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (3-11, 5.55)

Germano has been hit hard while losing four consecutive starts. He has given up 23 earned runs and 31 hits in 18 2/3 innings during the stretch. Germano’s last victory was against Houston on Aug. 15 when he allowed two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. He is 1-2 with an 8.62 ERA in three career starts against the Astros.

Lyles has lost seven of his last eight decisions. He lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates in his last outing when he gave up five runs (four earned) and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Lyles hasn’t faced the Cubs this season and is 0-0 with a 3.46 ERA in two career starts against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston All-Star 2B Jose Altuve (abdominal strain) is close to making it back in the lineup after missing the last three games.

2. Cubs SS Starlin Castro is batting .424 (14-for-33) during an eight-game hitting streak.

3. Astros 3B Brandon Laird could return after missing four straight games because of illness.