Astros go for sweep against Phils

If you gave up on the Astros a few months ago, you’re missing out. No, they’re not going to the playoffs, but this team plays with energy and emotion and has slowly bought into Brad Mills’ philosophy of playing the game the right way. Early in the season, they weren’t hitting and weren’t excecuting on defense, but they’ve brought it all together.

Just ask the Phillies, who are in danger of being swept at home by the Astros. The Astros send left-hander Wandy Rodriguez (9-12, 4.00 ERA) to the mound today against Kyle Kendrick (8-6, 4.58 ERA) in an attempt to polish off a four-team sweep at Citizens Bank Park. The Astros have won four consecutive games, all on the road, and are 40-35 since June 1.

Here is the Astros’ lineup:

CF Michael Bourn — Hitting .400 against the Phillies this year

2B Anderson Hernandez — Making his seventh start of the year

RF Hunter Pence — His 30 RBIs since the All-Star break are third in the NL

LF Carlos Lee — Has 23 RBIs in his last 25 games

3B Chris Johnson — Leading the NL in hitting (.376) since the All-Star break

1B Brett Wallace — Hitting .200 in August

SS Angel Sanchez — Making his 38th start

C Jason Castro — Hitting .188 in August

LHP Wandy Rodriguez — Allowed a total of five earned runs in last six starts