Rejuvanated Braves try for sweep of Astros

Aug 2, 2007, 14:50 GMT

- Mark Teixeira had an impressive debut for the Atlanta Braves and will try to duplicate his success in this evening's finale of a three-game series with the Houston Astros at Turner Field.

Acquired from the Texas Rangers by Tuesday's trade deadline, Teixeira cracked a three-run homer and finished with four RBI in last night's 12-3 demolition of the Astros. Teixeira became the first Atlanta player to homer in his debut since Jeff Francoeur went deep in his first game on July 7, 2005.

Edgar Renteria also homered for the Braves, who are 1 1/2 games off the NL wild card chase and 3 1/2 games behind the New York Mets for the top spot in the National League East standings. Yunel Escobar finished 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored in the rout.

Atlanta starting pitcher Buddy Carlyle left the game after the fifth inning with a hyperextended right elbow. He allowed two runs on five hits with two strikeouts to record the victory.

Rookie Jo-Jo Reyes will take the mound tonight for the Braves and is 0-1 with an 8.20 ERA in four starts this season.

Reyes has posted back-to-back no decisions, including Friday's performance against Arizona in which he surrendered seven runs in four innings of an 8-7 setback at Chase Field.

The lefty will take on Houston for the first time in his career.

Taking the ball for the Astros tonight will be Woody Williams, who is 5-12 with a 5.14 ERA in 22 starts this season.

Williams has alternated wins and losses over his last seven decisions. On Friday against the San Diego Padres, Williams suffered the loss after permitting five runs and eight hits over six innings of work. He has now lasted at least six innings in six straight starts.

The veteran right-hander, who is 2-8 in 13 road starts this season, has enjoyed success in his career against Atlanta. Williams is 4-1 with a 2.21 earned run average in eight starts versus the Braves.

Houston has dropped four of its last five games, including last night's dreadful performance. Lance Berkman homered for Houston, which is 11 1/2 games off the lead in the NL Central and 12 games back in the wild card hunt.

Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez was dealt the loss, yielding eight runs on six hits with five walks and four strikeouts over four innings of work.

Atlanta and Houston are wrapping up their first series against one another this season. The Astros went 4-3 against the Braves in the 2006 season.

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