(Sports Network) - Cole Hamels tries to extend his scoreless innings streak this afternoon when the Philadelphia Phillies conclude their four-game series with the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Hamels has not allowed a run in his last two starts and has not had an opponent cross the plate in the last 19 frames dating back to a win against the San Francisco Giants back on May 9. Hamels, though, did not receive a decision in his last start on Tuesday in Washington, as he held the Nationals to four hits over seven scoreless innings, while walking two and matching a season-high with 11 strikeouts.

He is 5-3 on the season with a 2.61 earned run average.

The 24-year-old left-hander has had success against the Astros over the course of his young career, posting a 3-0 mark to go along with a 3.14 ERA in four starts.

Philadelphia could certainly use another big effort from Hamels today after a tough defeat on Saturday. Carlos Lee went 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, and Darin Erstad's defense bailed out Doug Brocail in the ninth, lifting Houston to a 4-3 win.

Michael Bourn went 2-for-4 and scored twice for the Astros, winners in four of their last five overall and 12 of their last 15 at home.

Brian Moehler (2-1) allowed three runs -- two earned -- on four hits in six innings to earn the win, while Brocail notched his second save in place of Jose Valverde, who was unavailable after being hit in the face with a line drive on Friday.

Ryan Howard homered and drove in three runs for the Phillies, who have lost two straight after a three-game win streak. Brett Myers (2-6) surrendered four runs on eight hits in six innings to take the loss.

Up by one, Tim Byrdak, Oscar Villarreal and Wesley Wright kept the Phillies off the board through the eighth, but Pedro Feliz started the ninth with a single to right off Brocail. Chris Coste dumped a soft liner into right-center for a single that moved Feliz to second, and with Greg Dobbs at the plate, Brocail attempted a pick off throw with nobody covering second, as the ball went into center and both runners moved up.

Dobbs flew out to shallow center, and Jimmy Rollins was intentionally walked to load the bases. Shane Victorino then flew out to left, and Feliz tried to tag from third. Erstad's throw to the plate was slightly off-target, but Brad Ausmus recovered to make the tag and end the game at home plate.

Houston will pin its hopes today on righty Chris Sampson, who is 3-3 with a 5.91 ERA on the season. Sampson picked up the win on Tuesday against Chicago, as he allowed two runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Sampson has faced the Phils four times (three starts) and is 0-2 against them with a 6.19 ERA.

Philadelphia won two of three games versus Houston from April 15-17 at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies are 10-8 over the previous 18 matchups with the Astros, with a 5-4 mark as the guest.