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Mets-Astros Preview

Jul 25, 2009 - 5:06 AM By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN STATS Senior Writer

New York (44-50) at Houston (49-46), 7:05 p.m. EDT

The Houston Astros dominated the NL after the All-Star break last season. This year, they're hoping a strong second half can result in a return to the playoffs.

The Astros will try to push their home winning streak to six games Saturday night when they continue a weekend series against the New York Mets.

Houston (50-46) went an NL-best 42-24 after the break in 2008, but fell short of reaching the playoffs. The Astros haven't been to the postseason since their lone World Series appearance in 2005.

There's plenty of reason to believe they can return this year. Houston swept three games from NL Central-leading St. Louis this week and beat New York 5-4 on Friday to remain 1 1/2 games behind the Cardinals.

The Astros got offense from a pair of unlikely sources Friday. Chris Coste, filling in with first baseman Lance Berkman on the disabled list, had a two-run double and starter Mike Hampton added a two-run homer.

Houston claimed the 36-year-old Coste off waivers on July 10 from Philadelphia, where he served as a backup catcher, and he's batting .364 with four RBIs in three starts at Berkman's position.

"I've been a guy that's had to fight to get to the big leagues and fight to stay in the big leagues," Coste said. "Getting some hits, if that's what it takes to stay in the big leagues for a long time, I'm all for it. I have to view it as one of those incredible opportunities."

New York (44-51) has lost five straight at Minute Maid Park, and 17 of 24 overall. Luis Castillo and Omir Santos each had three hits Friday.

The injury-plagued Mets will decide Saturday on the status of Gary Sheffield. The veteran outfielder hasn't played since last Saturday due to a right leg cramp, and could become the 10th New York player currently on the disabled list.

The Mets must make a decision on Sheffield because they need to open a roster spot for Jonathon Niese (0-0, 5.91 ERA), who will be called up from Triple-A Buffalo to start this game. He's replacing the injured Fernando Nieve, who is expected to be out at least six weeks with a torn muscle in his right thigh suffered in Sunday's 7-1 loss at Atlanta.

Niese made two starts in May after making his major league debut with three starts last season for the Mets. Considered their top pitching prospect, Niese went 5-0 with a 0.71 ERA in his last seven outings at Triple-A Buffalo with 42 strikeouts and 12 walks.

In his most recent start, the left-hander gave up two hits in seven innings Saturday in a 1-0 victory over Toledo.

Houston starter Russ Ortiz (3-4, 4.33) is still searching for his first win since being inserted into the rotation June 11. He's 0-2 with a 4.69 ERA in his last seven starts.

The right-hander pitched well Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs in six innings in a 4-3 victory.

Ortiz won his first five career decisions versus the Mets from 1998-2001, but is 1-5 with a 9.22 ERA in his last six starts against them. His last outing versus New York was on June 11, 2006.

Mets All-Star third baseman David Wright is 6 for 11 (.545) with a homer and three doubles against Ortiz.