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Astros seek back-to-back wins

Jul 18, 2007 - 2:10 PM Houston (40-54) at Washington (38-55) 1:05 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros aim to string together a pair of wins on Wednesday when they host the Washington Nationals in the finale of a three-game series.

On Tuesday, rookie Hunter Pence and All-Star Carlos Lee each homered as the Astros snapped their four-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory.

Houston's triumph also marked closer Brad Lidge's first save of the season, as he struck out two batters in an inning. It was also the righthander's first save since September 28, 2006 at Pittsburgh.

"It definitely felt real good. The whole game felt good," Lidge said. "For me personally, it was nice to get that first one. It's been a while."

Another pitcher looking to end a rough stretch, Jason Jennings (1-5, 4.15 ERA) takes the hill for Houston with the hopes of ending his personal four-game losing streak. In his last outing, Jennings gave up four runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 6-0 loss at the Chicago Cubs.

The righthander is just 2-3 with a 5.30 ERA in seven career starts against Washington, which had its four-game home winning streak snapped in Tuesday's loss.

The Nationals counter with Jason Bergmann (1-5, 4.32), who also is winless in his last four starts. Bergmann was hammered for a season-worst eight runs in 4 1/3 frames but did not factor in a 14-10 win at the Florida Marlins on Friday.

The righthander will be making his first career start against Houston.

Washington catcher Brian Schneider will miss the matchup after getting hit in the right elbow in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game. He is listed as day-to-day.