HOUSTON — Johan Santana will go for his 12th win of the season here tonight when the Mets take on the Astros in the opener of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.

Santana also is trying to improve to 10-0 since last season in starts after the All-Star break after winning in Atlanta last Saturday. Santana was 8-0 with a 2.17 ERA in 15 starts following the break last year.

Santana, who is 2-0 with a 0.98 ERA in three career appearances against Houston, will square off against former Met Mike Hampton. The veteran lefty has lost his past two decisions and three of his previous four. Here is the 44-50 Mets’ order for the 8:05 p.m. game:

Angel Pagan CF

Luis Castillo 2B

David Wright 3B

Jeff Francoeur RF

Fernando Tatis LF

Daniel Murphy 1B

Omir Santos C

Angel Berroa SS

Johan Santana LHP (11-7, 2.92)

Santana’s numbers against the Astros’ hitters

The 49-46 Astros will counter with:

Michael Bourn CF

Kaz Matsui 2B

Miguel Tejada SS

Carlos Lee CF

Hunter Pence RF

Pudge Rodriguez C

Chris Coste 1B

Jeff Keppinger 3B

Mike Hampton LHP (5-7, 4.63)

Hampton’s numbers against the Mets’ hitters