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Phillies, Astros set for rubber match

Apr 17, 2008 - 12:59 PM Houston (6-9) at Philadelphia (7-8) 1:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - With each team having secured a one-run win in the series, the Houston Astros visit the Philadelphia Phillies for the rubber match of their three-game set Thursday.

The Astros picked up the win in Wednesday's battle, 2-1, behind seven solid innings from starter Roy Oswalt and a solo homer by center fielder Michael Bourn, who was traded from the Phillies to Houston in the offseason as part of a package for closer Brad Lidge.

While Bourn's blast proved to be the winning run, his single, stolen base and run scored in the first highlighted his game-changing speed, which was the main reason the Astros insisted on his inclusion in the deal.

Doug Brocail got the save for Houston, a day after closer Jose Valverde surrendered four runs in the ninth inning to hand Philadelphia a 4-3 comeback win in the series opener.

Phillies ace Brett Myers (1-1, 5.00 ERA) will attempt to slow Bourn and the Astros on Thursday. The righthander picked up his first win of the season last Friday, allowing three runs in eight innings against the Chicago Cubs.

Myers has been knocked around by Houston in the past, owning a 2-2 record with a 5.59 ERA in six career starts.

The Astros will counter with Brandon Backe (1-1, 2.25). The oft-injured righthander tossed five scoreless innings last Saturday to earn win over the Florida Marlins.