• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Braves, Astros play rubber match at Turner Field

Aug 5, 2012 - 3:38 PM (Sports Network) - Kris Medlen makes his second start of the season when the Braves take on the Astros in the rubber match of a three-game series at Turner Field.

Medlen pitched only two games in 2011 after recovering from Tommy John surgery and started 2012 in the bullpen, but the right-hander held the Marlins to one run on four hits and a walk in five innings on Tuesday in his first start since 2010. He also had three strikeouts.

Bud Norris will try to snap a career-long seven-game losing streak when he takes the mound for Houston. The right-hander did not factor into the decision in the Astros' 8-7 loss to the Brewers on Monday. He carried a shutout into the seventh inning, but ended the night allowing three runs on four hits in six-plus frames.

Norris doesn't have a triumph in his last 10 starts, and last won May 21 against the Cubs. He's 0-1 with an 8.74 ERA in two lifetime games against the Braves.

Justin Maxwell hit two home runs, including a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh, helping the Astros edge the Braves, 3-2, on Saturday.

It was the second career multi-homer game for Maxwell, who also belted a two- run blast in the fourth inning. He finished with a career-high four hits, adding a pair of singles and a stolen base.

Rookie Lucas Harrell (9-7) earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He walked five, struck out five and has now held the opposition to two runs or less in seven of his last eight outings.

"I kind of went away from my strengths and I started nibbling a little bit too much there at the end," said Harrell. "It got me in a little trouble. I felt like my changeup really bailed me out in a couple big situations."

Wilton Lopez recorded the final two outs of the ninth to pick of his second career save.

Paul Maholm (9-7) was charged with the loss in his Braves debut, giving up three runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over seven innings. The lefty was acquired from the Cubs on Monday and had gone 5-0 in his previous seven appearances.

Dan Uggla hit a two-run single in the sixth inning for the Braves, who had won nine of 10 entering Saturday.

"He stays aggressive," Uggla said of Harrell. "He works both sides of the plate. You really got to stay on your toes and battle."

Houston dropped two of three meetings to Atlanta at home back in early April and is 4-14 in the previous 18 matchups between the two clubs.