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Astros go for ninth straight win vs. Webb, Diamondbacks

Aug 15, 2008 - 10:23 AM Arizona (62-59) at Houston (62-59) 8:05 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros are the hottest team in baseball, but will have to overcome a former Cy Young Award winner in order to keep their winning streak alive.

The Astros go for their ninth straight win on Friday when they open a series against Brandon Webb and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Houston responded to falling into last place in the National League Central Division on July 23 by putting together a 16-4 record over their next 20 games, including a season-high eight-game winning streak. The most impressive part of the stretch is the Astros' last five victories have come without Carlos Lee, who was leading the NL with 100 RBI when a broken left pinky ended his campaign on Saturday.

No matter who is in the lineup, Houston could struggle against Webb, who won the 2006 Cy Young and is the front-runner for this season's award.

Webb (17-4, 2.88 ERA), the only pitcher in the majors with 17 wins, has won each of his last four starts and hasn't suffered a loss since June 22. The 29-year-old righthander has been particularly dominant in his last three outings, allowing one run in each of those starts while pitching at least eight innings twice.

Wandy Rodriguez (7-4, 3.89), who is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in four career starts against the Diamondbacks, counters for the Astros.