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Reds visit Astros in matchup of struggling teams

May 29, 2007 - 2:55 PM Cincinnati (19-33) at Houston (21-29) 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) - It will be a case of bad meeting worse when the Houston Astros open a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

The Astros have lost eight consecutive games and are hosting a Reds team that owns the worst record in the National League after dropping 16 of their last 21 games.

Houston is likely relieved to be returning to Minute Maid Park after an 0-7 road trip. Still, the Astros have managed just an 11-12 record here this season.

Jason Jennings (0-1, 3.00 ERA) will start for the Astros, who have scored just 16 runs in their losing streak. Jennings is making his first start since April 8 after being sidelined with tendinitis in his right elbow.

Reds hurler Matt Belisle (4-4, 4.65) hopes this start against the Astros is different from the last one. Houston beat Belisle on May 9, courtesy of three unearned runs. The rigthhander pitched seven innings in the loss, allowing six hits and striking out a season-high seven batters.

The Reds ended a six-game skid with a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, but may have lost Ryan Freel for a while.

The center fielder was carried off on a stretcher in the third inning after a collision with right fielder Norris Hopper. Freel had contusions on his head and neck.