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(Sports Network) - The New York Mets have passed virtually every test that's come their way over the past few weeks. The National League East leaders may be facing a tough challenge, however, when they continue a four-game series with the visiting Houston Astros this afternoon at Shea Stadium.

The Astros will be sending out noted Met-killer Randy Wolf to the mound in today's clash. The veteran left-hander certainly hasn't had a strong season, as he's just 8-11 with a 4.81 earned run average competing for both the Astros and San Diego. However, Wolf has been outstanding in two 2008 starts against the Mets, including an August 3 outing in which he struck out seven over five shutout innings to lead Houston to a 4-0 victory.

The 31-year-old also boasts an 11-5 record with a 3.25 ERA over 27 career starts versus New York, Wolf's highest win total over any team.

Wolf has been inconsistent since being acquired by the Astros in late July, posting a 2-1 record in five starts but pitching to a 5.13 ERA over that stretch. His poorest showing as an Astro came Monday in Milwaukee, where Wolf was tagged for six runs in just four innings to take the loss.

Houston will be attempting to earn its fifth win in six 2008 meetings with the Mets, who were swept in a three-game set by the Astros earlier this month. After dropping a 3-0 decision to New York on Friday, Houston got its offense going again in last night's 8-3 triumph.

Lance Berkman went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI to lead the Astros' attack, while Miguel Tejada drove in a pair of runs in the win. David Newhan added a solo homer for Houston, which had dropped five of its last seven coming into the game.

Brandon Backe (8-12) contributed a solid seven innings on the mound, with the Astros starter giving up three runs on five hits to get the victory.

John Maine (10-8) wasn't nearly as effective for the Mets. The right-hander was rocked for eight runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of work.

Brian Schneider stroked a two-run homer in the loss, only New York's second in its past 12 matchups.

The Mets saw their lead atop the NL East over second-place Philadelphia dwindle to 1 1/2 games after the Phillies defeated Los Angeles on Saturday.

Oliver Perez gets the assignment for the Mets today and seeks to continue his strong second-half pitching. The talented left-hander is 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA in seven starts following the All-Star break, and he's worked at least six innings in 10 consecutive mound trips.

Perez was outdueled by Wolf in that August 3 matchup, with the native Mexican allowing four runs on eight hits over six frames. Since that setback, he's gone 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts and recorded 19 strikeouts over 20 total innings.

The hard-throwing 27-year-old owns a 2-2 record with a 3.31 ERA in five career encounters with the Astros.

Prior to yesterday's game, the Astros had lost four straight and six of its last seven contests at Shea Stadium.