The Astros will be trying for their sixth win in eight games Wednesday night, when they close out their three-game home set against a scrappy Cubs team at Minute Maid Park. <\/p>\n
CHC: Jeff Samardzija (4-2, 3.00ERA ) v HOU: Wandy Rodriguez (3-4, 2.24 ERA) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n After a 8-4 Houston win on Monday, the Astros squeaked out a 2-1 victory in Tuesday’s Game 2, and are positioned for the sweep.<\/p>\n Heading into the finale, the Cubs who continue to struggle on the mound, find themselves smack in the middle of losing eight in a row, for the first time since May of 2011.<\/p>\n The Astros improved to (20-23) with Tuesday’s win, while Chicago fell to (15-28), allowing 17 homers with a collective 4.27 ERA during that span.<\/p>\n The Cubs simply haven’t been able to slow anyone, and just a night after Travis Wood allowed two runs in 5 2\/3 innings, the Cubs are scheduled to give the ball to Jeff Samardzija (4-2, 3.00ERA ). The right-hander pitched into the eighth in a loss against the White Sox his last time out.<\/p>\n The 27-year old has been if nothing, more-consistent, and entered Friday’s game having not allowed more than one run in his previous four starts. He has also increased his strikeout total by fanning at least six batters over that four-game stretch, ranking him fourth in the National League with 53 total strikeouts in 51 innings. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n This will be Samardzija’s first start against the Astros after going 2-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 15 career relief appearances against them.<\/p>\n The Astros will counter with veteran starter Wandy Rodriguez (3-4, 2.24 ERA). The left-hander scattered 10 hits over six innings in Friday’s 4-1 loss against the Texas Rangers, It was his fourth loss in nine starts this season.<\/p>\n Despite being tagged with the defeat, it was Rodriguez’s second straight quality start. However, the Astros were only able to plate one run themselves, which usually won’t get it done against Texas.<\/p>\n The 33-year old has made 19 career starts against Chicago, but went 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in three starts against them last season.<\/p>\n
\nDate\/Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 8:05 PM ET
\nVenue: Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas
\nBroadcast: WGN-Chicago, FOX Sports Houston
\nSpread: Astro’s -125
\nOver\/Under: 7<\/strong><\/p>\n