(Sports Network) - Phillies slugger Ryan Howard seems to be breaking out of his heavily-publicized slump and will lead Philadelphia again this evening in the second test of a four-game series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Howard has been hot the last two games, going 6-for-10 with three home runs, a a pair of doubles and six runs batted in. In the opener of this set on Thursday night, he finished 3-for-5 with a solo blast, two RBI and three runs scored for the Phillies, who won their third straight to improve to 3-1 on a seven-game road swing.

Pat Burrell, though, came through in the clutch with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning to put the Phillies ahead for good, while relief pitcher Chad Durbin got the win for a scoreless inning of relief after starter Kyle Kendrick gave up eight hits and five runs in five-plus frames.

Former Astros closer Brad Lidge worked around a Miguel Tejada single in the ninth inning for his 12th save in as many opportunities this season.

Adam Eaton is still searching for his first win of the season, and will take the ball this evening for the Phillies at Minute Maid Park. Eaton has lost two of his last three decisions, including a May 17 performance versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

Eaton allowed a grand slam in the second inning to former battery mate Rod Barajas, while allowing eight hits in five innings of work. He hasn't pitched more than five innings in each of his last three starts.

The right-hander, who is 0-2 with a 5.59 ERA in 2008, faced the Astros on April 15 this season at Citizens Bank Park. Eaton did not factor in the outcome of a 4-3 win after he surrendered three runs and seven hits in six innings of work. He is 3-1 with a 4.43 earned run average in seven career starts against the Astros.

With last night's loss at Minute Maid Park, Houston had its brief two-game winning streak stopped and lost for the fourth time in seven tries. Lance Berkman continued his torrid pace in May with three hits and an RBI. Ty Wigginton also had three hits and drove in a pair of runs in defeat.

Astros ace Roy Oswalt did not factor in the outcome despite giving up five runs and 11 hits through six innings of work. Reliever Wesley Wright was saddled with the loss for allowing Burrell's go-ahead homer. Houston is now 2-2 on a seven-game homestand.

Houston will hand the ball to Brandon Backe tonight, and he is 3-5 with a 4.58 earned run average in 10 starts this season.

Backe ended a personal two-game losing streak during his previous outing on May 18 at Texas, as he yielded three runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 5-4 win. He also had five strikeouts and did not issue a walk.

The righty was beaten by the Phillies on April 17 this season in South Philly, allowing six runs -- five earned -- and 10 hits in just three innings. Backe is 0-1 with a 10.29 earned run average through two career starts against the Phils.

Philadelphia won two of three games versus Houston from April 15-17 at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies are 10-6 over the previous 16 matchups with the Astros, with a 5-2 mark as the guest.