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Mets try to avoid Astros' brooms

May 2, 2012 - 3:03 PM (Sports Network) - Right-hander Chris Schwinden makes his second start of the season today when the New York Mets try to avoid a sweep in the finale of their three-game set against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Schwinden, a 22nd-round pick of the Mets in 2008, made four starts and was winless in two decisions with New York in his first stint in the majors last season and made his 2012 debut with a four-inning outing on April 27 in an 18-9 slugfest loss at Colorado.

He lasted just four innings and allowed six runs on seven hits.

Schwinden was pulled into the rotation on an emergency basis when regular starter Mike Pelfrey suffered elbow pain and was ultimately diagnosed with a ligament tear that will required Tommy John surgery and an extended rehab.

He has never faced the Astros.

For Houston, 33-year-old Dominican lefty Wandy Rodriguez makes his eighth career start against the Mets in search of a fourth victory.

He was 0-2 with a no-decision in his initial three starts this season against Colorado, Atlanta and Washington, but has since rallied with victories over Los Angeles and Cincinnati in which he allowed nine hits and two runs in 13 innings.

The Astros are 2-3 in Rodriguez's five starts and opponents are batting just .218 against him in 31 1/3 innings - 40 points below his career mark.

In the previous seven starts against New York, he's surrendered 34 hits in 43 1/3 innings while posting a 2.91 ERA and allowing a .215 batting average.

On Tuesday, Jed Lowrie and Chris Snyder both homered in support of J.A. Happ and the Astros downed the Mets, 6-3. J.D. Martinez added an RBI in the win.

Happ (2-1) allowed three runs on six hits while striking out seven over 6 1/3 frames. Brett Myers tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his sixth save of the season.

Scott Hairston, Andres Torres and Josh Thole had an RBI apiece for New York while Jon Niese (2-1) lasted just three innings and was charged with five runs in the loss.