Bodog Beat

Lance Berkman and the Astros attempt to hit the hot hand of Chicago's Ryan Dempster today at 2 p.m. ET. (AP Images)

The Houston Astros look to build on their second walkoff win in nine days and notch consecutive victories over the Chicago Cubs for the first time this season as the NL Central rivals finish a three-game series today.

The Cubs have been held to three runs or fewer in 13 of their last 20 games, going 8-12. They've also lost 22 of 25 games in which they've scored fewer than four runs.

Ryan Dempster, who will start for the Cubs today, hasn't allowed an earned run in 13 innings over his last two starts. Dempster is 1-3 with a 3.09 ERA in five starts against the Astros since the start of last season.

Hunter Pence is 8 for 17 with two homers in his career against Dempster.

Russ Ortiz will take the mound for Houston for his first start since May 7, also against Chicago.