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Astros-Brewers Preview

May 27, 2010 - 5:02 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Houston (15-30) at Milwaukee (18-27), 1:10 p.m. EDT

After finally providing their ace with some much-needed run support, the Houston Astros have a chance to win consecutive games and a series for the first time in two weeks.

The Astros look to accomplish both as they conclude a three-game road set against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

Lance Berkman had three hits, Carlos Lee added two with two RBIs and Roy Oswalt held Milwaukee to four hits in eight innings as Houston (16-30) snapped a three-game skid with a 5-0 win Wednesday.

The Astros pounded out 12 hits and scored some runs for Oswalt after they averaged a major league-low 2.07 runs during his previous nine starts.

Though Houston is last in the majors in runs (138) and batting average (.230), its latest effort could be something to build on. The Astros haven't won two in a row or a series since sweeping a three-game set at St. Louis from May 11-13.

"We've got some great players," said Oswalt, who made his first start since telling the Astros he would like to be traded if the team's record didn't improve. "You never know, we may take off and start winning games, a bunch in a row."

Berkman broke out after going 0 for 4 in a 6-1 loss at Milwaukee on Tuesday. He's a lifetime .321 hitter against the Brewers (18-28), who have lost 12 of 15.

Lee, who totaled two hits over his previous five games, is batting .199 this season, but .304 in his last six against Milwaukee.

The Astros hope to replicate Wednesday's performance at the plate for scheduled starter Brett Myers. Myers (3-3, 3.25 ERA) takes the ball looking to continue his dominance against the Brewers while trying for a second consecutive victory.

The right-hander, 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in four starts against Milwaukee, allowed one run and struck out seven in seven innings of a 2-1 win over AL East-leading Tampa Bay on Friday.

"Just tried to stay in there as best I could," Myers told the Astros' official website.

Milwaukee hopes Dave Bush (1-5, 5.59) can bounce back from his worst outing of the season while trying to avoid a sixth straight loss.

The right-hander allowed seven runs and six hits while getting just one out in a 15-3 loss at Minnesota on Friday. It was the worst start by a Brewer since Ben Hendrickson gave up six runs without recording an out against the Twins on May 20, 2006.

"I'm not really sure what I can say, other than that's the worst outing I've ever had at any level," Bush told the Brewers' official website. "It doesn't get a lot worse than that."

Bush, however, hasn't had too many poor outings against Houston, going 5-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 11 starts versus the Astros.

Ryan Braun had two of the five hits Wednesday for the Brewers, who dropped to a major-league worst 5-15 at home.

Though his team has disappointed this season, Braun is batting .331. He's 9 for 16 in his last four games against Houston.