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Oswalt, Berkman look to keep Astros hot

May 7, 2008 - 12:27 PM Washington (14-19) at Houston (17-16) 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) - Roy Oswalt takes the hill as the Houston Astros seek a fifth straight win in the middle game of a three-game series with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

Lance Berkman had a career-high and franchise-record tying five hits and Carlos Lee hit a go-ahead double in the eighth as the Astros posted a 6-5 victory in Tuesday's opener.

Oswalt, who is unbeaten in his last four starts, would like to see Berkman continue his torrid pace.

The 10-year veteran is 9-for-10 with a home run, two doubles and five RBI the past two games. Berkman became only the third player in franchise history Tuesday to have five hits and four runs scored in a single game.

Houston has won four straight and 11 of its last 15 games to move over .500 for the first time this season.

Oswalt (3-3, 5.57 ERA) has always had success against the Nationals' franchise in the past, owning a 3-1 record with a 2.45 ERA in eight career games - six starts.

He picked up a win against Milwaukee last time out, allowing four runs - three earned - and six hits in six innings.

Washington will counter with lefthander Odalis Perez (0-3, 3.18). The Nationals' Opening Day starter has yet to earn a win despite allowing two earned runs or less in six of his seven starts.

Perez did not factor in the decision in a win against the Pirates last Thursday despite surrendering just two runs and three hits in seven frames.