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Berkman attempts to end torrid May on high note

May 31, 2008 - 1:27 PM Houston (30-26) at Milwaukee (27-28) 7:05 p.m. EDT

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Perhaps it is fitting for Lance Berkman to finish his torrid May against one of the pitchers he likes facing the most.

Berkman concludes his incredible May on Saturday when the Houston Astros continue their three-game set against Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers.

In this month alone, Berkman has scored 31 runs and hit nine homers while batting a major league-best .475, posting at least one hit in 24 of 27 games.

While he would be hard-pressed to post his May totals against any one single pitcher, he has fared very well against Ben Sheets (5-1, 2.93 ERA) over his career. The switch hitter owns a lifetime .350 (21-for-60) batting average with five home runs and 18 RBI against the righthander.

However, Sheets has been very solid this season, although he is just 1-1 over his last five starts after going 4-0 in five April outings. He did not factor into the decision in Monday's 4-3 win over Washington when he allowed two runs and seven hits over six frames, striking out six.

Houston will counter with Brian Moehler (2-1, 4.40), who will be eyeing his second straight win. The righthander, who made five relief appearances before earning a permanent rotation spot with four strong outings, permitted three runs - two earned - and four hits over six frames in last Saturday's 4-3 win over Philadelphia.