=== Houston Astros Team Report - May 19 ===

(My Sportsbook) - Houston righthander Tim Redding had a poor start to the season, allowing 18 earned runs over his first four starts and had a 10.57 ERA. Since that time though, he has slowly progressed and he enters tonight's game in Florida unbeaten (1-0) over his last three outings.

Redding will take the mound for the middle contest of a three-game series versus the Marlins at Pro Player Stadium. Over his last two starts, he has surrendered just two earned runs over 12 innings.

Tonight's pitching matchup is a repeat from last Thursday when Redding faced Carl Pavano. Neither pitcher received a decision in that game, won 3-2 by the Marlins when they scored two runs in the ninth inning.

Redding is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three career starts against the Marlins. Additionally, he is 7-2 lifetime against NL East clubs.

Last night, Lance Berkman went 4-for-5 with a homer and two RBI to lead Houston to a 9-2 drubbing of Florida. Brad Ausmus added a two-run homer and three RBI while Jeff Kent drove in two runs for the Astros, who won for only the second time in their last six games.

Wade Miller picked up the win after allowing two runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings, while fanning five and walking three.