[pete_b]

The Astros are 32-32 and six games behind the first place Cardinals. They have one five out of their last six and just got done taking two out of three from Atlanta at home. Oswalt 3.11 era 5-3 is their ace. Lance Berkman is leading the team with 53 RBIs.

[pete_b]

The Cubs lost their first game of the series versus the Astros yesterday by a score of 9-2. Marshall gave up five earned runs in four innings. Pettite for the Astros went seven innings giving up only one run and one walk. Pierre and Nevin had a rbi each for the Cubbies. Nevin is batting .280 with three homers for the Cubbies.

Today its the Astro ace Oswalt versus our main man Maddux. This should be an interesting match up. I am truly hoping that Maddux can get at least fifteen wins this year.

[pete_b]

The Cubs lost the second game of the series with the Astros by a score of 5-4. Maddux pitched seven innings only striking out one and giving up five runs. Oswalt pitched six, giving up three runs. Howry and Dempster did the job in the bullpen but the Cubbie bats couldn't get them out of the hole.

On the mound for the Cubbies is Zambrano who is coming off a solid outing versus the Reds. He is facing Nieve who is 2-3 in ten starts with a 4.85 era.

[pete_b]

The Cubs lost three in a row yesterday and were swept by the Astros. The score of the game was 3-2. Zambrano pitched a heck of game, going seven innings and only givig up one run. Howry came in and blew the save and one run was scored on an error. Poor Cubbies.

Today they start a three game series versus Detroit. OH BOY!