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Astros try to get back on track against Marlins

Sep 16, 2008 - 1:42 PM Houston (80-69) at Florida (77-72) 7:10 p.m. EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros try to get back on track Tuesday when they open a series against the Florida Marlins.

Houston had won 14-of-15 games entering its weekend series at home with the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs. However, Hurricane Ike pummeled the Gulf Coast this weekend, forcing two games to be moved to Miller Park in Milwaukee.

With Cubs' fans filling up a majority of the stadium, the Astros were no-hit by Carlos Zambrano during the series opener before managing only one hit during a 6-1 loss on Monday. The pair of setbacks dropped Houston 2 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers (83-67) and Philadelphia Phillies (83-67), who are tied for the NL wild card.

"I think we will snap out of this, things were abrupt (Sunday) even getting to the airport was a struggle," Houston owner Drayton McClain said. "I think our team's thoughts were back with there immediate families and friends.

"This is the last two weeks of baseball, and we have a terrific opportunity to win the wild card."

The Astros have to like their chances of bouncing back when Roy Oswalt (15-9, 3.54 ERA) goes for his fifth win in as many starts.

Oswalt has been the key to Houston's surge, setting a franchise record with 32 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. He allowed three hits during his second straight shutout on Thursday, leading the Astros to a 6-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Rookie Chris Volstad (4-3, 3.31) counters for the Marlins, who are aiming for their sixth straight win.