John Maine (pictured) is looking to win his third consecutive decision tonight when the first-place Mets take on the Astros at home in the second game of a four-game series. Maine lasted just five innings Monday on Pittsburgh, exiting because of a high pitch count and some lingering soreness in his right shoulder, so the Mets will be watching him closely in this start to see if he needs some rest or further medical attention.

Maine will be opposed by right-hander Brandon Backe, who allowed three runs in six innings against the Mets in Houston on Aug. 1. Backe didn’t get a decision in that game, which ended in a 7-3 Astros victory.

As for the lineup, Jerry Manuel is going with the same order that produced a 3-0 win Friday for his 72-57 team:

Jose Reyes SS

Argenis Reyes 2B

David Wright 3B

Carlos Delgado 1B

Carlos Beltran CF

Daniel Murphy LF

Ryan Church RF

Brian Schneider C

John Maine RHP (10-7, 3.82)

The 64-64 Astros will look like this:

Darin Erstad RF

Michael Bourn CF

Miguel Tejada SS

Lance Berkman 1B

Geoff Blum 3B

Ty Wigginton LF

David Newhan 2B

Humberto Quintero C

Brandon Backe RHP (7-12, 5.62)

Game time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: SNY.