Cristian Javier leads Astros in rubber match vs. Mets

In desperate need of a strong pitching performance to halt the team's slide, the Houston Astros turned to ace left-hander Framber Valdez on Tuesday. He succeeded.

Now the Astros will give the ball to Cristian Javier on Wednesday afternoon as they look to win the rubber game of a three-game seriesagainst the visiting New York Mets.

Valdez took a shutout into the eighth inning on Tuesday as the Astros beat the Mets 4-2 to