Washington @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2011 ) Washington 6, Houston 7

THE STORY: The Houston Astros haven't won a series at home in nearly two months, a situation they hope to remedy when they wrap up a three-game set with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. With a win, the Astros can wrap up their first series win at home since taking two of three from the Dodgers in late May.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, MASN2

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Livan Hernandez (5-9, 4.09 ERA) vs. Astros RH Brett Myers (3-10, 4.86 ERA)

Hernandez is winless in three July starts and has been roughed up in his last two outings. He allowed six runs over 5 2/3 innings July 7 against the Cubs and gave up six runs (three earned) in four innings Friday at Atlanta. In 17 starts against the Astros, Hernandez is 10-6 with a 4.35 ERA, but he was tagged for eight runs (four earned) in five innings in his only start against them last season.

Myers has lost his last four starts and six of his last seven decisions. His last win came June 17 against the Dodgers. But he hasn't gotten much support, as the Astros have averaged only 1.5 runs in his last four outings, most recently a 4-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday in which he allowed three runs over six innings and compiled a season-high 11 strikeouts.

ABOUT THE NATIONALS (48-49): With a 7-6 loss Tuesday, the Nationals have lost six of their last nine and had their four-game winning streak against the Astros snapped. Jerry Hairston Jr. hit a two-run home run in his return to the lineup Tuesday after sitting out since July 1 with a fractured right wrist. Michael Morse also hit a two-run shot Tuesday, his second homer in two nights and his career-high 17th of the season. Ryan Zimmerman could be in line for a big game — he is 13-for-37 (.351) with two homers and 14 RBIs against Myers.

ABOUT THE ASTROS (32-65): Houston has lost 20 of 25 and has the worst record in baseball, but it has split its past four games. The Astros traded infielder Jeff Keppinger to the Giants for a pair of minor-league pitchers Tuesday, perhaps the first of several moves. Outfielders Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn are also prime trade candidates. Bourn and Clint Barmes led the offense Tuesday with three RBIs apiece.

FINAL PITCH: The Astros had followed each of their past three wins with five-game losing streaks, so they were happy to break that cycle by losing only two straight after Saturday's win against Pittsburgh.