• The series: Cincinnati Reds (47-46, second place NL Central) vs. Houston Astros (32-61, sixth place NL Central).

        • Where: Enron Field, Houston.

        • When: 8:05p.m. today and Thursday.

        • Radio: WLW-AM (700).

        • TV: Fox Sports Network, today; Fox Net, Thursday.

        • The arms: Today — Pete Harnisch (2-5, 6.27 ERA) vs. Chris Holt (4-10, 4.98);

        Thursday — Scott Williamson (3-6, 3.69) vs. Jose Lima (2-13, 7.29).

        Pitching explains why the Astros own the majors' worst record. Their 5.49 ERA ranks next to last in the NL. Once-invincible closer Billy Wagner (2-4, 6.18 ERA, six saves) remains on the disabled list.

        • The bats: Second baseman Craig Biggio entered Tuesday with shockingly low offensive numbers (.258, six homers, 31 RBI). Jeff Bagwell, a career .304 hitter entering this year, was batting .286, though he had 23 homers and 65 RBI. Moises Alou (.364, 15 homers, 52 RBI) also remains dangerous, and outfielder Richard Hidalgo (.289, 26 homers, 68 RBI) is a budding star. Catcher Mitch Meluskey leads NL rookies with 10 home runs.

        • The rest: Injuries have hampered Houston. Seven of the eight position players from the Astros' Opening Day lineup have missed games due to injuries or illness this year.

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