"After (Samardzija) got that lead, it seemed like he really started throwing the ball well," Astros

Houston Astros' Brandon Barnes right, celebrates with teammate Tyler Greene after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning during a baseball game in Chicago, Monday, Aug. 13, 2012.
"After (Samardzija) got that lead, it seemed like he really started throwing the ball well," Astros manager Brad Mills said. "There was a lot of movement. He was throwing (his slider and cutter) for what looked like strikes, and they were breaking out of the zone."
"It's my first year starting so I really want to show the staff that I can pitch late in the year and still pitch late in the games late in the year," Samardzija said. "It's a big proving year for me."
NOTES: Lucas Harrell , Tuesday's scheduled starter for Houston, will try for his 10th win of the season. He ranks first among NL rookies in innings pitched. ... Cubs starter Chris Volstad will try to win his first game since July 10, 2011, on Tuesday. He has not won in 22 starts. ... Astros C Jason Castro was back in the lineup after missing nearly a month with a right knee contusion. He was 1 for 4 and struck marriott residence inn gaithersburg md out three times.