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Cubs face Astros before wrapping up crucial stretch

Aug 5, 2008 - 12:48 PM Houston (54-57) at Chi Cubs (67-46), 2:20 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Cubs wrap up a 20-games-in-20-days marathon on Wednesday, but first must find a way to fend off the fiesty division-rival Houston Astros.

After a loss in a game cut short because of torrential weather, the Cubs look to get back on track against the Astros on Tuesday in the middle match of a three-game set.

Lou Piniella's club is 10-8 thus far during the crucial stretch and have taken advantage of the struggling Milwaukee Brewers (62-51), who were breathing down the neck of the Cubs in the National League Central Division before dropping seven of their last 10 contests.

Behind Carlos Lee's RBI single and starter Brian Moehler's strong performance, the Astros posted a 2-0 triumph in the series opener which was called after eight innings.

However, the Cubs received encouraging news in regard to injured closer Kerry Wood. The 31-year-old righthander, who has been out of action since July 24 with finger blister issues, tossed 30 pitches in a simulated game on Sunday and will likely return by the end of the weekl.

Chicago will send Rich Harden (6-2, 2.04 ERA) to the mound with hopes he can continue his dominance of the NL since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics before the non-waiver trade deadline.

The 26-year-old is 1-1 with a 1.11 ERA in four starts with the Cubs, allowing 14 hits in 24 1/3 innings while striking out 39.

Houston will counter with Wandy Rodriguez (6-4, 3.61), who is 4-1 in his last five decisions. The lefthander beat the Cubs on July 19, allowing one run and nine hits in 6 2/3 solid frames.