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Streaking Astros seek ninth straight win

Sep 5, 2008 - 10:21 AM Houston (74-66) at Colorado (66-75) 9:05 p.m. EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros are making a late postseason push, and will aim for season-high ninth straight win on Friday against the Colorado Rockies.

Houston has been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the last six weeks, going 28-11 since July 23. On Wednesday, the Astros became the first team to sweep the Chicago Cubs at home as Randy Wolf tossed a four-hitter and Ty Wigginton continued his tear with his 22nd homer in a 4-0 victory.

The Astros' hot streak has helped them pull within six games of the wild card-leading Milwaukee Brewers (80-60). Houston is looking to win nine straight for the first time since September 20-28, 2006.

"I don't know that you can say that we're all the way back in it, but we're certainly a lot closer than we were," first baseman Lance Berkman told the team's official web site.

Suprisingly enough, the run has come without Carlos Lee, who was leading the National League in RBI before suffering a broken pinky on August 9.

The Astros haven't missed a beat thanks to Wigginton, who tied a club record with 12 home runs in August. Pitching has also been the key to Houston's success, as its starters have a 1.70 ERA during the winning streak.

Brian Moehler (10-5, 4.02 ERA) will try and give the Astros another strong outing. The righthander has won five of his last six starts.

Much like Houston, Colorado is trying to edge its way back into postseason contention. The Rockies are six games back of the Arizona Diamondbacks (71-68) in the weak NL West. Colorado sends Ubaldo Jimenez (9-12, 4.19) to the hill. Jimenez is 1-3 with a 7.36 ERA in his last five starts.