• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Williams looks to avoid 11th loss against Phillies

Jul 2, 2007 - 2:10 PM Philadelphia (42-40) at Houston (35-47) 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Woody Williams will hope to avoid his 11th loss of the season of the season when the Houston Astros host the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

After posting a 12-5 record in 25 games with the San Diego Padres last season, Williams (3-10, 5.58 ERA) is in the middle of what will likely become the worst season of his career.

Williams has already reached double-digit losses for the fourth time in his 15-year career. The 40-year-old righthander also has a higher ERA than any previous season and his worst strikeout-to-walk ratio since becoming a full-time starter in 1997.

Williams did not receive a decision in his last outing, allowing three runs - two earned - and six hits with four strikeouts in six innings of a 6-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

The Phillies will counter with another pitcher over 40 years old in Jamie Moyer (7-5, 4.15), who has not lost a decision in his last three starts.

The 44-year-old Moyer allowed three runs and three hits with a season-high eight strikeouts in six innings, but did not figure into a 9-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Moyer has posted a 2-0 record with a 2.37 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 19 innings in his previous three starts.