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Oswalt aims for second straight win as Astros face Phillies

Apr 13, 2007 - 3:40 PM Houston (3-5) at Philadelphia (2-7) 7:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Roy Oswalt stopped the Houston Astros' season-opening skid in his last start. He hopes to continue a winning streak when he takes the mound again.

Oswalt looks to continue his strong start to the season Friday when the Astros visit the struggling Philadelphia Phillies.

Annually one of the best hurlers in the National League, Oswalt (1-0, 1.08 ERA) has gotten off to another fast start this season. The hard-throwing righthander tossed a five-hitter Saturday to lead Houston to a 5-1 triumph over St. Louis.

It was the 12th career complete game for Oswalt, who helped the Astros snap a four-game losing streak to open the season. He hopes to keep rolling Friday against Philadelphia, who he has not faced since the 2005 campaign.

Oswalt has been outstanding in his career against the Phillies, going 4-1 with a 1.38 ERA in six games - four starts.

On Tuesday, Houston held on for a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Chris Sampson allowed three hits over five scoreless innings and Luke Scott had three RBI.

It has been a disappointing start to the campaign for Philadelphia, which has lost four of its last five games. The Phillies hope to rebound from Thursday's 5-3 loss to the New York Mets.

Philadelphia will send Brett Myers (0-1, 6.75) to the hill on Friday. The veteran righthander has allowed nine runs and 12 hits in 12 innings over two starts this season.