(Sports Network) - Ace right-hander Ben Sheets can get a fifth straight win today when the Milwaukee Brewers head to Minute Maid Park to close out a three-game series with the Houston Astros.

The 10th overall pick in the 1999 draft, Sheets has been stellar in five starts in 2008, getting a no-decision in his March 31 debut before reeling off four victories in April.

He downed the Chicago Cubs on April 29, surrendering three hits and three earned runs in five innings of the Brewers' 10-7 triumph.

Sheets is 10-8 in 24 lifetime starts against the Astros with a 3.78 earned run average.

Right-hander Chris Sampson seeks his second win in six starts for Houston.

The 29-year-old, an eighth-round draft pick in 1999, defeated Cincinnati, 9-3, on April 23 at Great American Ball Park, but followed it with a 5-3 loss at Arizona on April 28.

Overall, in 22 2/3 innings, he's allowed 33 hits and 18 runs.

He is 1-0 in three appearances - one start - against the Brewers.

On Saturday, Brandon Backe pitched 5 2/3 innings and added a solo home run as the Astros downed the Brewers, 6-2.

Backe (2-3) gave up two runs on five hits with five walks and three strikeouts while Michael Bourn added a solo home run for the Astros, who have won three of their last four games.

Manny Parra (1-2) got the loss as he gave up six runs -- five earned -- on nine hits in four-plus innings while Rickie Weeks added a solo home run for the Brewers, who have dropped three of their last four.

Weeks led off the game with a shot over the left field wall to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Milwaukee was 13-5 against the Astros last season.