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Astros try to get back on track vs. Pirates

Sep 20, 2008 - 10:15 AM Houston (81-72) at Pittsburgh (64-90), 7:05pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros got one obstacle out of the way - snapping that ugly five-game losing streak. Now, the hard part - trying to get back in the National League wild-card discussion with nine games remaining.

The Astros look to make it two wins in a row on Saturday when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After their five-game skid - on the heels of a stretch in which they won 14 of 15 - brought them back to earth, the Astros' postseason chances look bleak. They are 4 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies (86-68) in the wild-card standings.

They turn to righthander Brian Moehler (11-7, 4.33 ERA), who has beaten the Pirates twice in three tries this season. Most recently, he limited them to two runs and five hits in six innings of a 7-4 triumph on September 10. But even if he were to repeat that showing, he's going to need a lot more offensive help than the Astros have been accustomed to giving lately.

Before finally showing a bit of spark in Friday's 5-1 win over the Pirates, the Astros had managed five runs and 19 hits over their previous five games, all losses. Right at the center of that problem is All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman, who is hitless in his last 22 at-bats.

The Pirates will counter with rookie righthander Jimmy Barthmaier, who will get another try in the rotation because Tom Gorzelanny is out for the remainder of the season with an injured left middle finger. Barthmaier (0-1, 27.00) was called up for a spot start on June 27 against the Tampa Bay Rays but lasted 2 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs and seven hits.