--The Astros' Rodriguez battery -- left-hander Wandy and catcher Ivan -- on Tuesday night marked the first time since 1974 that the Astros had a pitcher throw to a catcher of the same last name. 

For the first time since he suffered a left intercostal strain this spring, Brandon Backe will throw off a mound Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. 

A week ago Jeff Keppinger thought he was going to be released from the Cincinnati Reds after a sluggish spring. 

Jeff Keppinger's broken-bat single in the 10th inning off closer Kevin Gregg gave the Houston Astros a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. 

The Chicago Cubs may be the two-time defending NL Central Division champions, but that's not because of their play against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. 

Jeff Keppinger found a quick way to endear himself to his new team: He won a game in his first at-bat. 

It is the ninth inning and there's a lead to protect. 

--RHP Russ Ortiz earned the fifth spot in the rotation. 

After a 19-game winless streak between their first and second Grapefruit League victories, the Astros improved dramatically and looked like a legit major league club by going on a seven-game winning streak. 

The Astros' season got off to a rough start Monday night, and it won't be easy to shake it off quickly. 

After four seasons working out of the bullpen, Ryan Dempster enjoyed a career year as a starter for the Chicago Cubs in 2008. 

After four seasons working out of the bullpen, Ryan Dempster enjoyed a career year as a starter for the Chicago Cubs in 2008. 

Carlos Zambrano put his opening-day jitters behind him. 

Carlos Zambrano pitched into the seventh inning to get his first opening-day win in five chances, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday night. 

ROUND ROCK - The Express, back home at the Dell Diamond for the first time since last September, looked sluggish in a 6-1 exhibition loss to the Corpus Christi Hooks on Sunday afternoon.