Astros lineup Thursday vs. Giants

If the Astros can beat the Giants on Thursday afternoon, they would have their first series win since taking three of four games at the Rockies from June 7-10. it would also be their first series win against the Giants at home since a four-game sweep Aug. 11-14, 2008.

To get it done, the Astros will need a rebound effort from left-hander Wandy Rodriguez (3-10, 6.09 ERA), who leads hte league in losses. He’s allowed 14 earned runs and 11 hits in eight innings in his past two starts, and he’s lost six of his last seven starts.

The Giants will counter with left-hander Matt Cain (6-5, 2.16 ERA), who has thrown a complete game in three of his previous six starts. His ERA is the fourth-lowest in the NL, and he’s 1-2 wiht a 3.64 ERA in his career against the Astros.

Here are the lineups:

ASTROS

CF Michael Bourn

2B Jeff Keppinger

1B Lance Berkman

LF Carlos Lee

RF Hunter Pence

SS Geoff Blum

3B Pedro Feliz

C Jason Castro

P Wandy Rodriguez

GIANTS

SS Edgar Renteria

2B Freddy Sanchez

RF Aubrey Huff

LF Pat Burrell

1B Buster Posey

1 Bengie Molina

C Aaron Rowand

P Matt Cain