The Astros lost their season opening series against the Cubs, their one win coming off of former Cincinnati Red Jeff Keppinger's tenth inning RBI single in his first at bat with the club.
[2] The next day, Mike Hampton won his second start of his second stint with the franchise with an 8 strikeout, 6 inning outing for the win over the Pirates.
The Astros then returned home to Minute Maid Park, where they had three good outings against the Reds by ace Roy Oswalt, journeyman Wandy Rodríguez and Triple-A Round Rock call-up Felipe Paulino.
[6] In the fourth game of the series, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee's back to back solo shot home runs were not enough to beat the Red's Edwin Encarnación's 2 RBI single and Joey Votto's 2 RBI double to give the Red's the series, 3–1.
Please do not edit this line: OgreBot End--> Infielders Outfielders Coaches Note: Team batting and pitching leaders are in bold.