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Astros try to salvage series split vs. Padres

Apr 3, 2008 - 4:22 PM Houston (1-2) at San Diego (2-1) 3:35 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - The Houston Astros look to build on the momentum of an offensive outburst and salvage a series split when they wrap up a four-game series with the San Diego Padres on Thursday.

After being held to just one run and 10 hits in their first two games, the Astros exploded for nine runs and 11 hits on Wednesday en route to a thrilling 9-6 victory over the Padres.

Houston appeared headed to their third straight loss in the ninth inning as they trailed, 6-5, with two outs and none on.

But against closer Trevor Hoffman (0-1), Jose Cruz Jr. walked and Michael Bourn singled to right field, putting runners on first and second.

Hunter Pence then lined an RBI single to right to tie the game and Lance Berkman followed with a his first home run of the season, giving the Astros an insurmountable lead.

Shawn Chacon, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, will try to give Houston its second straight win on Wednesday when he takes the mound.

The 30-year-old righthander posted a 5-4 record last season with a 3.94 ERA in 64 appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates, making just four starts.

Randy Wolf will oppose Chacon as he makes his debut for the Padres. The 31-year-old lefthander went 9-6 with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season and registered a 4.73 ERA in 18 starts.