Giants Vs. Astros, Series Preview: San Francisco Begins 6-Game Road Trip In Houston

Fresh off a disappointing series spilt at home with the Atlanta Braves, the San Francisco Giants take to the road for a 6-game trip, starting in the Lone Star state against the Houston Astros.

The Astros, sad to say, have not been having a good 2012. Currently sitting at at 40-88 on the season, they have won only seven games since the All-Star break and only once in their last 10 matchups. The Giants on the other hand are 71-57, hoping to hang on to their two game lead in the NL West. They've won 25 of their 42 games since the All-Star break, the 4th best mark in the National League during that span.

Novato, CA native Bud Norris (5-11, 5.19) takes on Matt Cain (13-5, 2.83) in the opener Tuesday. Norris tossed six innings of three-run ball in his last outing against the Cardinals, but hasn't won a start since May 21. As for Cain, he is looking for his fourth win in a row after seven innings of one-run ball against the Dodgers on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

It's a battle of lefties on Wednesday as Dallas Keuchel (1-6, 5.40) faces Barry Zito (10-8, 4.31). Keuchel lasted just four innings in his last start, allowing six runs in the process. Zito battled after a shaky start to last eight innings against the Dodgers in his last start, earning himself the win. First pitch is at 5:05 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

Jordan Lyles (3-10, 5.47) and Ryan Vogelsong (11-7, 2.90) lock horns in the finale. Lyles gave up just one run in six innings of work en route to a 3-1 win over the Mets on Friday, while Vogelsong ended his two-game skid with a win against Atlanta with 6.1 innings of three-run ball. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

For more on the Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles.