Brandon Backe, RHP (8-6, 4.87)
Astros (50-46)
Tony Armas, RHP (4-4, 4.96)
Nationals (54-43)
Game Time 7:05 PM
MLB Scouting Report:Backe won his last start in Pittsburgh, holding the Bucs to one run depsite walking six. The right-hander has had mixed results this season but has logged at least six innings in five of his last eight outings. Backe is 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA in three starts in July.
Armas left Monday's game against the Rockies because of dizziness and dehydration. He was affected by the heat at RFK Stadium -- the gametime temperature was 87 degrees, but it was very humid. In his start before that, against the Mets, Armas threw seven two-run frames and did not factor in the decision as the Nationals lost, 3-2, in 11 innings.
Starting Lineups: Houston Washington
1. Willy Taveras, CF Brad Wilkerson, 1B
2. Craig Biggio, 2B Jose Vidro, 2B
3. Lance Berkman, 1B Jose Guillen, RF
4. Morgan Ensberg, 3B Ryan Church, LF
5. Jason Lane, RF Preston Wilson, CF
6. Adam Everett, SS Carlos Baerga, 3B
7. Chris Burke, LF Brian Schneider, C
8. Humberto Quintero, C Cristian Guzman, SS
9. Roger Clemens, P Tony Armas, P