GAME THREAD: GAME THREAD: NL: LA DODGERS (55-44) at HOUSTON (42-56)

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">LA DODGERS (10) VS HOUSTON (0) - MID 9TH - IN PROGRESS

LA DODGERS ab r h rbi bb so lob avg
R Furcal ss 5 2 2 0 0 1 1 .286
J Pierre cf 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 .286
R Martin c 5 1 1 0 0 0 2 .301
J Kent 2b 4 1 4 2 0 0 0 .292
R Martinez pr-2b 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 .162
L Gonzalez lf 4 1 2 3 0 0 1 .293
M Kemp rf 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .371
N Garciaparra 3b 5 1 3 1 0 0 2 .283
J Loney 1b 4 1 1 3 0 0 1 .358
A Ethier rf-lf 4 0 2 0 1 0 2 .297
C Billingsley p 5 0 0 0 0 1 3 .154

Totals 42 10 17 9 1 2 13

BATTING: 2B - J Kent 2 (24, C Sampson, D Borkowski); R Martin (22, D
Borkowski); L Gonzalez (19, D Borkowski); R Martinez (3, B Moehler). HR - J
Loney (4, 9th inning off B Moehler 2 on, 1 Out). S - J Pierre. RBI - J Kent 2
(53), L Gonzalez 3 (47), N Garciaparra (48), J Loney 3 (22). 2-out RBI - J
Kent, L Gonzalez 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - N Garciaparra 1,
R Furcal 1, C Billingsley 1, A Ethier 1. GIDP - C Billingsley. Team LOB - 8.

FIELDING: E - N Garciaparra (7, ground ball). DP: 1 (J Kent-R Furcal-J
Loney).


HOUSTON ab r h rbi bb so lob avg
C Biggio 2b 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 .247
M Loretta ss 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .301
B Moehler p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
L Berkman 1b 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .258
C Lee lf 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 .290
M Lamb 3b 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .301
L Scott rf-cf 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 .233
E Munson c 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 .297
E Bruntlett cf-ss 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .293
C Sampson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .160
a-M Ensberg ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .227
D Borkowski p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
T Miller p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-O Palmeiro ph-rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .250

Totals 25 0 3 0 3 4 10

a-flied out to left for C Sampson in the 5th; b-struck out swinging for T
Miller in the 8th.

BATTING: S - C Sampson. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - M Loretta 1,
C Biggio 1. GIDP - M Loretta. Team LOB - 5.

BASERUNNING: Picked Off - E Bruntlett (1st base, R Martin).

FIELDING: DP: 1 (E Bruntlett-C Biggio-L Berkman).


----------------------------------------------------
LA DODGERS - 100 120 303 -- 10
HOUSTON - 000 000 00 -- 0
----------------------------------------------------

LA DODGERS ip h r er bb so hr era
C Billingsley 8 3 0 0 3 4 0 3.18

HOUSTON ip h r er bb so hr era
C Sampson 5 8 4 4 0 0 0 4.29
D Borkowski 2 5 3 3 1 1 0 4.64
T Miller 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.88
B Moehler 1 4 3 3 0 0 1 6.21

WP - C Sampson. IBB - A Ethier (by D Borkowski). HBP - J Loney (by C
Sampson). Pitches-strikes: C Billingsley 91-57; C Sampson 74-44; D Borkowski
46-30; T Miller 13-8; B Moehler 12-7. Ground balls-fly balls: C Billingsley
7-12; C Sampson 11-4; D Borkowski 2-3; T Miller 1-1; B Moehler 2-1. Batters
faced: C Billingsley 29; C Sampson 24; D Borkowski 12; T Miller 3; B Moehler 6.


UMPIRES: HP--Paul Nauert. 1B--Gerry Davis. 2B--Brian Gorman. 3B--Mike
Everitt.

Weather: INDOORS.</div>

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">NL AT HOUSTON - SCORING UPDATE
TWO-RUN HOME RUN BY LUKE SCOTT (12) TO RIGHT WITH 2 OUT IN
THE 9TH OFF CHAD BILLINGSLEY SCORED MIKE LAMB.
CURRENT SCORE: LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2

DUE UP FOR HOUSTON: E MUNSON (.297, 1-FOR-3)</div>

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">NL FINAL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
- - - - - - - - - - - -
LA DODGERS 1 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 3 10 17 1
HOUSTON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 5 0 (FINAL)

BATTERIES: LOS - CHAD BILLINGSLEY AND RUSSELL MARTIN

HOU - CHRIS SAMPSON, DAVE BORKOWSKI (6TH), TREVER
MILLER (8TH), BRIAN MOEHLER (9TH) AND ERIC MUNSON

HOME RUNS: LOS - JAMES LONEY (4) OFF BRIAN MOEHLER IN THE 9TH, 2 ON

HOU - LUKE SCOTT (12) OFF CHAD BILLINGSLEY IN THE 9TH, 1 ON</div>

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">NL FINAL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
- - - - - - - - - - - -
LA DODGERS 1 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 3 10 17 1
HOUSTON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 5 0 (FINAL)

BATTERIES: LOS - CHAD BILLINGSLEY AND RUSSELL MARTIN

HOU - CHRIS SAMPSON, DAVE BORKOWSKI (6TH), TREVER
MILLER (8TH), BRIAN MOEHLER (9TH) AND ERIC MUNSON


WP - CHAD BILLINGSLEY (7-0)
LP - CHRIS SAMPSON (7-7)
SAVE - NONE

HOME RUNS: LOS - JAMES LONEY (4) OFF BRIAN MOEHLER IN THE 9TH, 2 ON

HOU - LUKE SCOTT (12) OFF CHAD BILLINGSLEY IN THE 9TH, 1 ON


TIME: 2:29 ATT: 38,245

PROBABLES: LOS - MARK HENDRICKSON (4-5, 4.54)
HOU - JASON JENNINGS (1-6, 4.76)</div>

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">LA DODGERS (10) VS HOUSTON (2) - FINAL

LA DODGERS ab r h rbi bb so lob avg
R Furcal ss 5 2 2 0 0 1 1 .286
J Pierre cf 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 .286
R Martin c 5 1 1 0 0 0 2 .301
J Kent 2b 4 1 4 2 0 0 0 .292
R Martinez pr-2b 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 .162
L Gonzalez lf 4 1 2 3 0 0 1 .293
M Kemp rf 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .371
N Garciaparra 3b 5 1 3 1 0 0 2 .283
J Loney 1b 4 1 1 3 0 0 1 .358
A Ethier rf-lf 4 0 2 0 1 0 2 .297
C Billingsley p 5 0 0 0 0 1 3 .154

Totals 42 10 17 9 1 2 13

BATTING: 2B - J Kent 2 (24, C Sampson, D Borkowski); R Martin (22, D
Borkowski); L Gonzalez (19, D Borkowski); R Martinez (3, B Moehler). HR - J
Loney (4, 9th inning off B Moehler 2 on, 1 Out). S - J Pierre. RBI - J Kent 2
(53), L Gonzalez 3 (47), N Garciaparra (48), J Loney 3 (22). 2-out RBI - J
Kent, L Gonzalez 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - N Garciaparra 1,
R Furcal 1, C Billingsley 1, A Ethier 1. GIDP - C Billingsley. Team LOB - 8.

FIELDING: E - N Garciaparra (7, ground ball). DP: 1 (J Kent-R Furcal-J
Loney).


HOUSTON ab r h rbi bb so lob avg
C Biggio 2b 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 .247
M Loretta ss 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 .301
B Moehler p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
L Berkman 1b 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 .257
C Lee lf 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 .289
M Lamb 3b 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 .305
L Scott rf-cf 4 1 2 2 0 1 1 .236
E Munson c 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 .292
E Bruntlett cf-ss 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .293
C Sampson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .160
a-M Ensberg ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .227
D Borkowski p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
T Miller p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-O Palmeiro ph-rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .250

Totals 30 2 5 2 3 6 10

a-flied out to left for C Sampson in the 5th; b-struck out swinging for T
Miller in the 8th.

BATTING: HR - L Scott (12, 9th inning off C Billingsley 1 on, 2 Out). S - C
Sampson. RBI - L Scott 2 (43). 2-out RBI - L Scott 2. Runners left in scoring
position, 2 out - M Loretta 1, C Biggio 1. GIDP - M Loretta. Team LOB - 5.

BASERUNNING: Picked Off - E Bruntlett (1st base, R Martin).

FIELDING: DP: 1 (E Bruntlett-C Biggio-L Berkman).


----------------------------------------------------
LA DODGERS - 100 120 303 -- 10
HOUSTON - 000 000 002 -- 2
----------------------------------------------------

LA DODGERS ip h r er bb so hr era
C Billingsley (W, 7-0) 9 5 2 2 3 6 1 3.37

HOUSTON ip h r er bb so hr era
C Sampson (L, 7-7) 5 8 4 4 0 0 0 4.29
D Borkowski 2 5 3 3 1 1 0 4.64
T Miller 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 5.88
B Moehler 1 4 3 3 0 0 1 6.21

WP - C Sampson. IBB - A Ethier (by D Borkowski). HBP - J Loney (by C
Sampson). Pitches-strikes: C Billingsley 109-70; C Sampson 74-44; D Borkowski
46-30; T Miller 13-8; B Moehler 12-7. Ground balls-fly balls: C Billingsley
7-13; C Sampson 11-4; D Borkowski 2-3; T Miller 1-1; B Moehler 2-1. Batters
faced: C Billingsley 34; C Sampson 24; D Borkowski 12; T Miller 3; B Moehler 6.


UMPIRES: HP--Paul Nauert. 1B--Gerry Davis. 2B--Brian Gorman. 3B--Mike
Everitt.

T--2:29. Att--38,245.
Weather: INDOORS</div>

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">** CONFIRMED **
NL
LA DODGERS 10
HOUSTON 2 FINAL</div>

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LA DODGERS (10) AT HOUSTON (2) - HOW THEY SCORED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LA DODGERS 1ST: R Furcal singled to deep right. J Pierre sacrificed to
pitcher, R Furcal to second. R Martin flied out to center, R Furcal to third.
J Kent singled to left, R Furcal scored. L Gonzalez grounded out to first.
(1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 4TH: R Martin fouled out to third. J Kent doubled to left.
L Gonzalez grounded out to second, J Kent to third. J Kent scored on
C Sampson's wild pitch. N Garciaparra singled to center. J Loney hit by pitch,
N Garciaparra to second. A Ethier flied out to center. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)
LA DODGERS 2, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 5TH: C Billingsley grounded out to shortstop. R Furcal reached
on infield single to second. J Pierre singled to right, R Furcal to second.
R Martin flied out to center. J Kent singled to left, R Furcal to third,
J Pierre to second. L Gonzalez singled to center, R Furcal and J Pierre scored,
J Kent to third. N Garciaparra grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop,
L Gonzalez out at second. (2 Runs, 4 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 4, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 7TH: J Pierre flied out to left. R Martin doubled to left.
J Kent doubled to deep right center, R Martin scored. R Martinez ran for J Kent.
L Gonzalez doubled to deep right, R Martinez scored. N Garciaparra singled to
center, L Gonzalez scored, N Garciaparra to second advancing on throw. J Loney
popped out to first. A Ethier intentionally walked. C Billingsley struck out
looking. (3 Runs, 4 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 7, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 9TH: B Moehler relieved T Miller. L Scott in center field.
E Bruntlett at shortstop. O Palmeiro in right field. R Martinez doubled to left.
M Kemp flied out to right. N Garciaparra singled to center, R Martinez to
third. J Loney homered to right, R Martinez and N Garciaparra scored.
A Ethier reached on infield single to first. C Billingsley grounded into double
play, shortstop to second to first, A Ethier out at second.(3 Runs, 4 Hits,
0 Errors) LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 9TH: L Berkman struck out swinging. C Lee flied out to center.
M Lamb singled to right. L Scott homered to right, M Lamb scored. E Munson
struck out swinging. (2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2.</div>

 

Billingsley goes the distance as Dodgers rout Astros

<h3>LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2</h3>HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Chad Billingsley and Jeff Kent got the LosAngeles Dodgers' road trip off on the right foot with an easy10-0 win over the punchless Houston Astros on Monday night.

Billingsley improved to 7-0 and became the first Dodger to beginthe season 7-0 since Matt Herges turned the trick with an 8-0run in 2000.


Billingsley recorded his first career complete game and did notallow a run until Luke Scott his a two-run home run with twoouts in the ninth.


The second-year hurler struck out six and walked three, keepingthe Astros off balance by staying ahead in the count and gettingouts with his fastball and slider.


Kent, who played for the Astros in 2004-05, went 4-for-4 withtwo doubles and two RBI before he was lifted for a pinch runnerafter recording his second double in the seventh inning.

Kent, who has reached base in 34 straight games, had his firstfour-hit game since September 18 when he also had four againstthe San Diego Padres.


James Loney added a three-run homer in the ninth inning offBrian Moehler to round out the scoring for the Dodgers whoout-hit the Astros 17-5.


The NL West-leading Dodgers will play their next six games onthe road and started their seven game tour through Houston andColorado by beating up the Astros, who had won 10 of their last14 home games.


Before Monday, the Dodgers had lost three of four and four ofsix after winning four in a row for the first time sincemid-June.


Billingsley got out of his biggest jam in the fifth inning whenEric Munson led off with a single and moved into scoringposition when Eric Bruntlett followed with a walk.

Pinch-hitter Morgan Ensberg hit a harmless flyout to left beforecatcher Russell Martin picked off Bruntlett with a snap throwover to first base. Billingsley then blew a fastball by CraigBiggio to end the threat sending the home team back on the fieldto a chorus of boos.


The Dodgers manufactured a run in the first inning when Kentsingled home Rafael Furcal who led off the game with a singleoff Houston starter Chris Sampson (7-7).


Kent hit a one-out double in the fourth inning and then moved tothird on a ground out by Luis Gonzalez. With Nomar Garciaparraat the plate, Sampson uncorked a wild pitch scoring Kent to makeit 2-0.


The Dodgers doubled their lead in the fifth inning with foursingles off Sampson. With two outs, Furcal and Juan Pierrescored on Luis Gonzalez' single to center giving Billingsleyplenty of room to work with against the Astros who have scoredjust six runs in their last four games.


For the first time in seven starts at Minute Maid Park, Sampsonfailed to pitch into the sixth inning. Entering Monday's game,he was 3-2 with a 2.83 in Houston, but he left after just fiveinnings allowing four runs on eight hits. He did not strike outor walk a batter.


Four straight hits by the Dodgers in the seventh made it 7-0.Martin, Kent and Luis Gonzalez hit consecutive doubles beforeGarciaparra added another hit capping a three run inning offHouston reliever Dave Borkowski.

 

NL: LA DODGERS at HOUSTON

<div class="pre">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LA DODGERS (10) AT HOUSTON (2) - EVENT LOG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

La Dodgers Starting Lineups -- R Furcal SS, J Pierre CF, R Martin C, J Kent 2B,
L Gonzalez LF, N Garciaparra 3B, J Loney 1B, A Ethier RF, C Billingsley RHP.

Houston Starting Lineups -- C Biggio 2B, M Loretta SS, L Berkman 1B, C Lee LF,
M Lamb 3B, L Scott RF, E Munson C, E Bruntlett CF, C Sampson RHP.

Umpires -- Paul Nauert (HP), Gerry Davis (1B), Brian Gorman (2B), Mike Everitt (3B).

Gametime Weather: INDOORS.


LA DODGERS 1ST: R Furcal singled to deep right. J Pierre sacrificed to
pitcher, R Furcal to second. R Martin flied out to center, R Furcal to third.
J Kent singled to left, R Furcal scored. L Gonzalez grounded out to first.
(1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 1ST: C Biggio safe at first on error by third baseman
N Garciaparra. M Loretta grounded into double play, second to shortstop to
first, C Biggio out at second. L Berkman popped out to shortstop. (0 Runs,
0 Hits, 1 Error) LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 2ND: N Garciaparra grounded out to third. J Loney grounded out
to pitcher. A Ethier grounded out to shortstop. (0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors)
LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 2ND: C Lee flied out to center. M Lamb fouled out to left.
L Scott singled to right. E Munson popped out to third. (0 Runs, 1 Hit,
0 Errors) LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 3RD: C Billingsley grounded out to shortstop. R Furcal grounded
out to pitcher. J Pierre grounded out to second. (0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors)
LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 3RD: E Bruntlett walked. C Sampson sacrificed to first,
E Bruntlett to second. C Biggio flied out to left. M Loretta lined out to
third. (0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 1, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 4TH: R Martin fouled out to third. J Kent doubled to left.
L Gonzalez grounded out to second, J Kent to third. J Kent scored on
C Sampson's wild pitch. N Garciaparra singled to center. J Loney hit by pitch,
N Garciaparra to second. A Ethier flied out to center. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)
LA DODGERS 2, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 4TH: L Berkman lined out to right. C Lee struck out swinging.
M Lamb singled to left. L Scott popped out to shortstop. (0 Runs, 1 Hit,
0 Errors) LA DODGERS 2, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 5TH: C Billingsley grounded out to shortstop. R Furcal reached
on infield single to second. J Pierre singled to right, R Furcal to second.
R Martin flied out to center. J Kent singled to left, R Furcal to third,
J Pierre to second. L Gonzalez singled to center, R Furcal and J Pierre scored,
J Kent to third. N Garciaparra grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop,
L Gonzalez out at second. (2 Runs, 4 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 4, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 5TH: E Munson singled to center. E Bruntlett walked, E Munson to
second. M Ensberg hit for C Sampson. M Ensberg flied out to left. E Bruntlett
picked off first. C Biggio struck out swinging. (0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors)
LA DODGERS 4, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 6TH: D Borkowski relieved C Sampson. J Loney grounded out to
third. A Ethier singled to center. C Billingsley grounded out to third,
A Ethier to second. R Furcal lined out to pitcher. (0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors)
LA DODGERS 4, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 6TH: M Loretta flied out to left. L Berkman grounded out to
second. C Lee grounded out to third. (0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 4,
HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 7TH: J Pierre flied out to left. R Martin doubled to left.
J Kent doubled to deep right center, R Martin scored. R Martinez ran for J Kent.
L Gonzalez doubled to deep right, R Martinez scored. N Garciaparra singled to
center, L Gonzalez scored, N Garciaparra to second advancing on throw. J Loney
popped out to first. A Ethier intentionally walked. C Billingsley struck out
looking. (3 Runs, 4 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 7, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 7TH: R Martinez at second base. M Lamb flied out to center.
L Scott struck out looking. E Munson grounded out to first. (0 Runs, 0 Hits,
0 Errors) LA DODGERS 7, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 8TH: T Miller relieved D Borkowski. R Furcal struck out
swinging. J Pierre grounded out to second. R Martin flied out to center.
(0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 7, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 8TH: M Kemp in right field. A Ethier in left field. E Bruntlett
popped out to shortstop. O Palmeiro hit for T Miller. O Palmeiro struck out
swinging. C Biggio walked. M Loretta grounded out to second. (0 Runs, 0 Hits,
0 Errors) LA DODGERS 7, HOUSTON 0.

LA DODGERS 9TH: B Moehler relieved T Miller. L Scott in center field.
E Bruntlett at shortstop. O Palmeiro in right field. R Martinez doubled to left.
M Kemp flied out to right. N Garciaparra singled to center, R Martinez to
third. J Loney homered to right, R Martinez and N Garciaparra scored.
A Ethier reached on infield single to first. C Billingsley grounded into double
play, shortstop to second to first, A Ethier out at second.(3 Runs, 4 Hits,
0 Errors) LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 0.

HOUSTON 9TH: L Berkman struck out swinging. C Lee flied out to center.
M Lamb singled to right. L Scott homered to right, M Lamb scored. E Munson
struck out swinging. (2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2.</div>

 

Billingsley goes the distance as Dodgers rout Astros

<h3>LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2</h3>HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Chad Billingsley and Jeff Kent got the LosAngeles Dodgers' road trip off on the right foot with an easy10-0 win over the punchless Houston Astros on Monday night.

Billingsley became the first Dodger to begin the season 7-0since Matt Herges turned the trick with an 8-0 run in 2000.

Billingsley recorded his first career complete game and did notallow a run until Luke Scott hit a two-run home run with twoouts in the ninth.


The second-year hurler struck out six and walked three, keepingthe Astros off-balance by staying ahead in the count and gettingouts with his fastball and curveball.


I had pretty good command of my fastball, Billingsley said. Iwasn't trying to do too much, just move the ball in and out andmix in some curves. I was getting ahead of hitters and thathelped.


"I knew I had a chance (at the shutout) in the seventh inning. Itold myself to just keep doing what I've been doing. You neverknow about that when you come out in the first inning. You don'ttry to get too far ahead of yourself or try to do too much. Youjust go one out at a time."


Kent, who played for the Astros in 2004-05, went 4-for-4 withtwo doubles and two RBI before he was lifted for a pinch runnerafter recording his second double in the seventh inning.

Kent, who has reached base in 34 straight games, had his firstfour-hit game since September 18 when he also had four againstthe San Diego Padres.


Houston-area native James Loney added a three-run homer in theninth inning off Brian Moehler to round out the scoring for theDodgers, who out-hit the Astros, 17-5.


"It felt great to hit the home run," Loney said. "This is thefirst time I've played (at Minute Maid) since playing in theregional playoffs in high school. It was fun. Getting anopportunity to play here was a great experience.


"We scored a lot of runs and this was a good win for us. Chadthrew a great game."


The NL West-leading Dodgers will play their next six games onthe road and started their seven-game tour through Houston andColorado by beating up the Astros, who had won 10 of their last14 home games.


Before Monday, the Dodgers had lost three of four and four ofsix after winning four in a row for the first time sincemid-June.


Billingsley got out of his biggest jam in the fifth inning whenEric Munson led off with a single and moved into scoringposition when Eric Bruntlett followed with a walk.

Pinch hitter Morgan Ensberg hit a harmless flyout to left beforecatcher Russell Martin picked off Bruntlett with a snap throwover to first base. Billingsley then blew a fastball by CraigBiggio to end the threat sending the home team back on the fieldto a chorus of boos.


"That was a pretty good example of what he's capable of,Dodgers manager Grady Little said of Billingsley. That was oneof the most beautiful sights I've ever seen and one of the firsttimes I've ever been the happiest guy in the world to see a guygo 0-for-5 (at the plate).


"It came at a good time for us. It was what we needed to getback on track.


The Dodgers manufactured a run in the first inning when Kentsingled home Rafael Furcal who led off the game with a singleoff Houston starter Chris Sampson (7-7).


Kent hit a one-out double in the fourth inning and then moved tothird on a ground out by Luis Gonzalez. With Nomar Garciaparraat the plate, Sampson uncorked a wild pitch scoring Kent to makeit 2-0.


The Dodgers doubled their lead in the fifth inning with foursingles off Sampson. With two outs, Furcal and Juan Pierrescored on a single to center by Gonzalez, giving Billingsleyplenty of room to work with against the Astros, who have scoredjust six runs in their last four games.


"I thought after we were just about shut down for three straightdays we were about ready to bust out of this," Astros managerPhil Garner said. "But Billingsley certainly was doingsomething right out there. He was doing it mostly with afastball, but he was hitting with his cutter or short slider orwhatever he calls it."


For the first time in seven starts at Minute Maid Park, Sampsonfailed to pitch into the sixth inning. Entering Monday's game,he was 3-2 with a 2.83 in Houston, but he left after just fiveinnings, allowing four runs on eight hits. He did not strike outor walk a batter.


"There is not much to feel good about tonight," Sampson said."When you give up four runs in five innings, you can't exactlycall that good pitching. I kept leaving my sinker up a littlebit and I wasn't able to locate other pitches to get ahead ofhitters."


Four straight hits by the Dodgers in the seventh made it 7-0.Martin, Kent and Gonzalez hit consecutive doubles beforeGarciaparra added another hit, capping a three run inning offHouston reliever Dave Borkowski.

 

Billingsley goes the distance as Dodgers rout Astros

<h3>LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2</h3>HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Chad Billingsley and Jeff Kent got the LosAngeles Dodgers' road trip off on the right foot with an easy10-0 win over the punchless Houston Astros on Monday night.

Billingsley became the first Dodger to begin the season 7-0since Matt Herges turned the trick with an 8-0 run in 2000.

Billingsley recorded his first career complete game and did notallow a run until Luke Scott hit a two-run home run with twoouts in the ninth.


The second-year hurler struck out six and walked three, keepingthe Astros off-balance by staying ahead in the count and gettingouts with his fastball and curveball.


"I had pretty good command of my fastball," Billingsley said. "Iwasn't trying to do too much, just move the ball in and out andmix in some curves. I was getting ahead of hitters and thathelped.


"I knew I had a chance (at the shutout) in the seventh inning.I told myself to just keep doing what I've been doing. Younever know about that when you come out in the first inning.You don't try to get too far ahead of yourself or try to do toomuch. You just go one out at a time."


Kent, who played for the Astros in 2004-05, went 4-for-4 withtwo doubles and two RBI before he was lifted for a pinch runnerafter recording his second double in the seventh inning.

Kent, who has reached base in 34 straight games, had his firstfour-hit game since September 18 when he also had four againstthe San Diego Padres.


Houston-area native James Loney added a three-run homer in theninth inning off Brian Moehler to round out the scoring for theDodgers, who out-hit the Astros, 17-5.


"It felt great to hit the home run," Loney said. "This is thefirst time I've played (at Minute Maid) since playing in theregional playoffs in high school. It was fun. Getting anopportunity to play here was a great experience.


"We scored a lot of runs and this was a good win for us. Chadthrew a great game."


The NL West-leading Dodgers will play their next six games onthe road and started their seven-game tour through Houston andColorado by beating up the Astros, who had won 10 of their last14 home games.


Before Monday, the Dodgers had lost three of four and four ofsix after winning four in a row for the first time sincemid-June.


Billingsley got out of his biggest jam in the fifth inning whenEric Munson led off with a single and moved into scoringposition when Eric Bruntlett followed with a walk.

Pinch hitter Morgan Ensberg hit a harmless flyout to left beforecatcher Russell Martin picked off Bruntlett with a snap throwover to first base. Billingsley then blew a fastball by CraigBiggio to end the threat sending the home team back on the fieldto a chorus of boos.


"That was a pretty good example of what he's capable of,"Dodgers manager Grady Little said of Billingsley. "That was oneof the most beautiful sights I've ever seen and one of thefirst times I've ever been the happiest guy in the world to seea guy go 0-for-5 (at the plate).


"It came at a good time for us. It was what we needed to getback on track."


The Dodgers manufactured a run in the first inning when Kentsingled home Rafael Furcal who led off the game with a singleoff Houston starter Chris Sampson (7-7).


Kent hit a one-out double in the fourth inning and then moved tothird on a ground out by Luis Gonzalez. With Nomar Garciaparraat the plate, Sampson uncorked a wild pitch scoring Kent tomake it 2-0.


The Dodgers doubled their lead in the fifth inning with foursingles off Sampson. With two outs, Furcal and Juan Pierrescored on a single to center by Gonzalez, giving Billingsleyplenty of room to work with against the Astros, who have scoredjust six runs in their last four games.


"I thought after we were just about shut down for three straightdays we were about ready to bust out of this," Astros managerPhil Garner said. "But Billingsley certainly was doingsomething right out there. He was doing it mostly with afastball, but he was hitting with his cutter or short slider orwhatever he calls it."


For the first time in seven starts at Minute Maid Park, Sampsonfailed to pitch into the sixth inning. Entering Monday's game,he was 3-2 with a 2.83 in Houston, but he left after just fiveinnings, allowing four runs on eight hits. He did not strike outor walk a batter.


"There is not much to feel good about tonight," Sampson said."When you give up four runs in five innings, you can't exactlycall that good pitching. I kept leaving my sinker up a littlebit and I wasn't able to locate other pitches to get ahead ofhitters."


Four straight hits by the Dodgers in the seventh made it 7-0.Martin, Kent and Gonzalez hit consecutive doubles beforeGarciaparra added another hit, capping a three-run inning offHouston reliever Dave Borkowski.

 

Billingsley goes the distance as Dodgers rout Astros

<h3>LA DODGERS 10, HOUSTON 2</h3>HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Chad Billingsley and Jeff Kent got the LosAngeles Dodgers' road trip off on the right foot with an easy10-2 win over the punchless Houston Astros on Monday night.

Billingsley became the first Dodger to begin the season 7-0since Matt Herges turned the trick with an 8-0 run in 2000.

Billingsley recorded his first career complete game and did notallow a run until Luke Scott hit a two-run home run with twoouts in the ninth.


The second-year hurler struck out six and walked three, keepingthe Astros off-balance by staying ahead in the count and gettingouts with his fastball and curveball.


"I had pretty good command of my fastball," Billingsley said. "Iwasn't trying to do too much, just move the ball in and out andmix in some curves. I was getting ahead of hitters and thathelped.


"I knew I had a chance (at the shutout) in the seventh inning.I told myself to just keep doing what I've been doing. Younever know about that when you come out in the first inning.You don't try to get too far ahead of yourself or try to do toomuch. You just go one out at a time."


Kent, who played for the Astros in 2004-05, went 4-for-4 withtwo doubles and two RBI before he was lifted for a pinch runnerafter recording his second double in the seventh inning.

Kent, who has reached base in 34 straight games, had his firstfour-hit game since September 18 when he also had four againstthe San Diego Padres.


Houston-area native James Loney added a three-run homer in theninth inning off Brian Moehler to round out the scoring for theDodgers, who out-hit the Astros, 17-5.


"It felt great to hit the home run," Loney said. "This is thefirst time I've played (at Minute Maid) since playing in theregional playoffs in high school. It was fun. Getting anopportunity to play here was a great experience.


"We scored a lot of runs and this was a good win for us. Chadthrew a great game."


The NL West-leading Dodgers will play their next six games onthe road and started their seven-game tour through Houston andColorado by beating up the Astros, who had won 10 of their last14 home games.


Before Monday, the Dodgers had lost three of four and four ofsix after winning four in a row for the first time sincemid-June.


Billingsley got out of his biggest jam in the fifth inning whenEric Munson led off with a single and moved into scoringposition when Eric Bruntlett followed with a walk.

Pinch hitter Morgan Ensberg hit a harmless flyout to left beforecatcher Russell Martin picked off Bruntlett with a snap throwover to first base. Billingsley then blew a fastball by CraigBiggio to end the threat sending the home team back on the fieldto a chorus of boos.


"That was a pretty good example of what he's capable of,"Dodgers manager Grady Little said of Billingsley. "That was oneof the most beautiful sights I've ever seen and one of thefirst times I've ever been the happiest guy in the world to seea guy go 0-for-5 (at the plate).


"It came at a good time for us. It was what we needed to getback on track."


The Dodgers manufactured a run in the first inning when Kentsingled home Rafael Furcal who led off the game with a singleoff Houston starter Chris Sampson (7-7).


Kent hit a one-out double in the fourth inning and then moved tothird on a ground out by Luis Gonzalez. With Nomar Garciaparraat the plate, Sampson uncorked a wild pitch scoring Kent tomake it 2-0.


The Dodgers doubled their lead in the fifth inning with foursingles off Sampson. With two outs, Furcal and Juan Pierrescored on a single to center by Gonzalez, giving Billingsleyplenty of room to work with against the Astros, who have scoredjust six runs in their last four games.


"I thought after we were just about shut down for three straightdays we were about ready to bust out of this," Astros managerPhil Garner said. "But Billingsley certainly was doingsomething right out there. He was doing it mostly with afastball, but he was hitting with his cutter or short slider orwhatever he calls it."


For the first time in seven starts at Minute Maid Park, Sampsonfailed to pitch into the sixth inning. Entering Monday's game,he was 3-2 with a 2.83 in Houston, but he left after just fiveinnings, allowing four runs on eight hits. He did not strike outor walk a batter.


"There is not much to feel good about tonight," Sampson said."When you give up four runs in five innings, you can't exactlycall that good pitching. I kept leaving my sinker up a littlebit and I wasn't able to locate other pitches to get ahead ofhitters."


Four straight hits by the Dodgers in the seventh made it 7-0.Martin, Kent and Gonzalez hit consecutive doubles beforeGarciaparra added another hit, capping a three-run inning offHouston reliever Dave Borkowski.