Dodgers edge Astros in finale Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Chad Billingsley tossed eight strong innings,
and James Loney went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs batted in and two runs
scored as the Los Angeles Dodgers topped the Houston Astros, 5-2, in the
finale of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park.
Billingsley (8-7) allowed a pair of unearned runs on six hits -- striking out
five and walking one -- as he won his fourth straight start. The 23-year-old
right-hander held the opposition without an earned run for his second straight
outing, as he beat the Angels on Saturday, 1-0, despite the Dod... More...
Chris Sampson took advantage of a start picked up due to injury to Roy Oswalt, and he used the chance well in his fourth victory of the season. Sampson allowed a mere two hits, and no walks, in holding the Braves to one run over five innings.
Our View:Sampson could remain in the rotation depending on whether or not Oswalt finds himself on the DL, but counting on Sampson is akin to playing with fireworks - eventually you are going to get burned.
Mark Loretta had a big night on Saturday with three doubles, leading to four RBI, in the Astros 6-1 victory over the Braves.
Our View:Loretta continues to be a useful spare part in NL only leagues where his ability to hit for average and to play multiple positions is a big bonus.
Ty Wigginton's versatility came into play yet again on Saturday as he was placed in the leadoff role for the Astros, according to MLB.com. "I loved leading off in college. I led off regularly my junior year -- at least 30, 40 games," Wigginton said.
Our View:This move was made because the Astros are facing a lefty tonight, and there was no word that this would become a long-term decision. However, given that his OBP is a full .080 points better than leadoff man Michael Bourn (.360 to .280), it doesn't take a genius to figure out that this move makes sense for a lineup struggling to score runs.
