By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The red hot Phillies are in Houston tonight to open a four game series against the worst team in baseball, the Astros.

The Phillies have won seven in a row and 15 of 19 to surge to within three games of the National League’s second wildcard playoff berth.  They also have moved above .500 for the first time since early June, as they currently sit at 72-71.

When I said the Astros are the worst team in baseball, that wasn’t an exaggeration.  Houston is 45-98 on the season, that leaves them a staggering 41 1/2 games out of first in the National League Central.

Tyler Cloyd will get the start for the Phillies tonight.  The rookie right-hander is 1-1 in three starts since his call up from AAA.  Last time out he got a no decision against the Rockies, allowing four runs in four innings.

The Astros counter with right-hander Lucas Harrell, who has actually had a pretty good season.  He is 10-9 with a 3.83 ERA.  The Phillies beat Harrell at Citizens Bank park back on May 14th, 5-1.  He allowed three runs (two earned) in 5 2/3 innings of work.  Harrell is actually responsible for 22% of the Astros wins this season (10 of 45).

KYW’s Matt Leon spoke with Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News about the streaking Phillies and whether they can continue this until the end of the season.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.