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Wolf looks to build on solid outing when Astros face Reds

Aug 8, 2008 - 10:07 AM Houston (55-59) at Cincinnati (52-64) 7:10 p.m. EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros believe they are still in the race and new acquisition Randy Wolf is a big reason why.

Wolf will try to earn a second consecutive win when the Astros visit the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

It was a puzzling move when Houston chose to make a deal for the lefthanded Wolf a week before the deadline despite being well behind the Chicago Cubs (69-46) in the National League Central. But the Astros have won nine of their last 13 to pull within 8 1/2 games of the Milwaukee Brewers (64-51) in the wild-card race.

Wolf (7-10, 4.60 ERA) defeated the Mets on Sunday, yielding six hits in five scoreless frames while striking out seven and walking three. The veteran hurler earned a win against Cincinnati when he was with the San Diego Padres on May 22, allowing two runs in seven frames.

Houston also added to their bullpen by acquiring reliever LaTroy Hawkins from the Yankees. The veteran righthander has recorded six strikeouts in 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

The Astros took the series opener Thursday, 7-4, as Roy Oswalt pushed his career record against the Reds to 21-1 with seven solid innings.

Cincinnati will send rookie Johnny Cueto (7-11, 5.00) to the mound. The righthander is 0-3 in his last five starts with a 6.30 ERA.