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Cubs begin second half against Astros

Jul 18, 2008 - 10:10 AM Chi Cubs (57-38) at Houston (44-51), 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- One half down, one to go - a fitting motto for a club trying to win its first World Series title since 1908.

The Chicago Cubs take the best record in the National League into the second half and will open a three-game set against the Central Division-rival Houston Astros on Friday in the first game after the All-Star break.

Ted Lilly (9-6, 4.68 ERA), who gave up four runs and six hits in a season-low 2 2/3 innings in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds on July 10 for his first loss since June 4, will take the mound for Chicago.

The 32-year-old lefthander will factor in the second half as one part of a bolstered rotation that recently added power-righthander Rich Harden via trade with the Oakland Athletics.

Brian Moehler (5-4, 4.28) counters for Houston, as he makes his first start since giving up four runs and seven hits in six innings on July 9 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Moehler has won three of his last four decisions at Minute Maid Park, where the righthander has given up two runs in 12 innings in his last two outings.

The Astros have the worst record in the NL, but are 22-21 at home.

Chicago dropped the final game of the first half against the San Francisco Giants and was stymied by Tim Lincecum, who threw eight brilliant innings.