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Road-weary Astros head to Cincinnati

Sep 25, 2007 - 2:21 PM Houston (68-88) at Cincinnati (71-85) 7:10 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Mercifully, the Houston Astros begin their final road series of the season on Tuesday when they travel to Cincinnati for a three-game set.

The Astros are a National League-worst 28-50 away from home this season, but the good news is that they be playing a Reds team that they've beaten in eight of 12 times this season - their most wins against any club in 2007.

With nothing to play for, both teams are using the remainder of the season to assess their younger talent.

The Astros send rookie Felipe Paulino (0-1, 11.25 ERA) to the mound for his second career start. His first start on September 18 against the Milwaukee Brewers did not go well as the righthander allowed five runs in four innings during a 9-1 loss.

Homer Bailey gets the call for the Reds (3-2, 6.09), who will miss the postseason for the 12th consecutive year.

The 21-year-old righthander, a first round pick in 2004, is making his second start since being recalled from the minor leagues. He was optioned to Class AAA Louisville in July and suffered a groin injury during that minor league stint.