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Astros-Rockies Preview

Jun 8, 2010 - 5:25 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Houston (22-35) at Colorado (29-27), 8:40 p.m. EDT

Jeff Francis' return to the majors started strong for the Colorado Rockies, but has hit a snag of late.

The veteran left-hander looks to avoid his third straight loss and help the Rockies to their third consecutive victory Tuesday night against the Houston Astros at Coors Field.

After missing the entire 2009 season and the beginning of 2010 following shoulder surgery, Francis (1-2, 3.70 ERA) went 1-0 with 0.68 ERA in his first two starts. However, he's allowed nine runs over 11 innings while losing his last two outings.

Francis gave up four runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 4-1 loss at San Francisco on Wednesday.

"I've got to do better, that's what it comes down to," said Francis, who has a 2.21 ERA but a 1-2 record in three starts against Houston (22-36).

He'll try to give the Rockies (30-27) their second straight strong effort from a starter. Jason Hammel threw 7 1-3 scoreless innings and Clint Barmes drove in two runs in Monday's 5-1 victory to open this four-game set.

After losing two of three at Arizona to conclude a 3-3 road trip, Colorado (30-27) is trying to string together some victories while playing 13 of 16 at Coors Field, where it's 16-9 this season.

"Any time we play at home, we've got to take advantage of it and expect to win games," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki told the Rockies' official website. "Without a doubt, this home stretch, we've got take advantage of it."

The Rockies also would like to get star Todd Helton going.

Batting .246 - and 3 for 33 in his last 10 games - Helton hit sixth instead of his customary third spot in the order for the second straight game Monday and recorded his 11th RBI of the season. Facing the Astros could help reinvigorate the veteran slugger, a lifetime .340 hitter versus Houston.

Tulowitzki, who singled Monday, is 4 for 12 against Houston this season and 3 for 5 lifetime with a double and home run off Wednesday's scheduled Astros starter Brian Moehler (0-2, 6.49).

Moehler, who began the season in the bullpen, allowed eight runs in 2 2-3 innings of a 12-2 loss at Cincinnati in his first start May 29. He pitched better Thursday, giving up two runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-4 win over Washington, though he didn't get a decision.

Moehler injured his groin on the first play Thursday, but stayed in the game and appears ready to make this start.

"His leg was a little sore after he hurt it, but he did a good job," manager Brad Mills told the Astros' official website.

The right-hander is 0-2 with a 6.85 ERA in four career starts against the Rockies.

Pedro Feliz had three hits and Geoff Blum drove in the lone run Monday for the Astros, who were held down after averaging 5.5 runs while winning five of their previous six.

Feliz is 14 for 32 during a nine-game hitting streak, raising his average from .200 to 241.

The Astros, 8-16 on the road, are on the first stop of a 10-game trip that will take them to Yankee Stadium this weekend.