(Sports Network) - Nicaraguan-born right-hander Ramon Ramirez can finish off an impressive first stint in the majors tonight when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Houston Astros in the second of three games at Minute Maid Park.

A 26-year-old who was signed as an undrafted free agent, Ramirez was brought up to the big-league club in late August and has been strong in his initial four outings.

He debuted with a no-decision against San Francisco on August 30, when he allowed five hits and three runs in seven innings of Cincinnati's 7-6 win.

In three appearances since -- two starts and one relief outing -- he's given up just eight hits and three runs in 15 innings, including an 11-2 rout of Milwaukee on September 19 in which he earned his first victory.

The Reds are 4-0 in games in which he's pitched, outscoring their foes, 31-18.

For the Astros, veteran lefty Randy Wolf finishes off an impressive second half with a new team.

The 32-year-old, who began the season with San Diego and made 21 starts for the Padres, was sent to Houston shortly before the trading deadline in late July.

In 11 starts since, he's gone 5-2 and posted a 3.94 earned run average in 64 innings, after racking up a 4.74 ERA in 119 2/3 innings to begin the year with San Diego.

Wolf scored his 11th overall win of the season in his last start, allowing three hits and a run in seven innings of a 5-1 triumph at Pittsburgh.

He is 7-2 in 14 career starts against the Reds with a 3.39 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 90 1/3 innings.

On Tuesday, Jolbert Cabrera knocked in a run and Edinson Volquez hurled 7 1/3 strong innings as Cincinnati clipped Houston, 2-1.

Jeff Keppinger had three hits and scored a run for the Reds, who have won four of their last five. Joey Votto hit safely twice and also scored once.

Volquez (17-6) earned the win in the longest outing of his career, scattering six hits and one run with nine strikeouts.

Kaz Matsui homered for the Astros, who have dropped seven of nine. Coupled with New York's 6-2 win over Chicago earlier Tuesday, Houston's playoff hopes are fading rapidly, after dropping to 4 1/2 games behind the Mets in the wild card chase.

Wandy Rodriguez (8-7) yielded six hits and two runs while fanning seven and walking two over five innings in defeat.

Houston has won 10 of its 13 matchups with the Reds this season.