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Astros host Pirates in season opener

Apr 2, 2007 - 3:01 PM Pittsburgh (0-0) at Houston (0-0) 7:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros will try to qualify for the postseason for the third time in four years, but will have to do it without some familiar faces.

The Astros host the Pittsburgh Pirates in their season opener on Monday.

Houston may not get back pitcher Roger Clemens, who has yet to announce if he will play in 2007, and lost pitcher Andy Pettitte, who signed with the New York Yankees in the offseason.

But the Astros still have Roy Oswalt, who will start on Monday. Oswalt was 15-8 with a 2.98 ERA last season and dominated the Pirates, going 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA while striking out 19 and walking just three.

Houston helped its offense in the offseason, signing outfielder Carlos Lee to a six-year, $100 million contract. Lee hit 37 homers with 116 RBI for Milwaukee and Texas last season.

The Pirates have had 14 consecutive losing seasons and finished in last place in the NL Central in 2006.

Pittsburgh sends Zach Duke to the hill on Monday. The lefthander struggled last season, going 10-15 with a 4.47 ERA. Duke languished in his two starts against Houston last season, going 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in 12 2/3 innings.