Postgame: Astros 8, Dodgers 1

The Astros defeated the Dodgers 8-1 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

This one was essentially over in the first inning when the Astros tagged Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley for four runs in the top of the first inning. Just for good measure they added two more on Billingsley in the second to take a 6-0 lead – as well as all the air out of Dodger Stadium.

Houston starter Roy Oswalt, staked to the early lead, thoroughly shut the Dodgers down while giving up four hits and a run in a complete-game effort. Oswalt was still sitting at 95 in the ninth inning when he retired the Dodgers in order, punctuating the win by blowing a fastball by a swinging Casey Blake for the final out.

Billingsley lasted a season-low 1.2 innings and gave up a season-high tying nine hits in his short tenure. Over his last five starts, Billingsley is 0-2 with a 6.98 ERA (22 ER/28.1 IP).

Orlando Hudson went 1-for-2 with a triple and now has six hits in his last 10 at-bats over the last three games.

ETC…ETC.

Manny Ramirez was 0 for 4.

Scott Elbert fired 2.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen tonight and has tossed 5.0 shutout innings while striking out six in three appearances since being recalled last Sunday in Milwaukee.

Oswalt has now won a season-high three straight starts. Oswalt is 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA (7 ER/38.0 IP) over his last four starts and is now 6-0 with a 2.59 ERA (13 ER/45.0 IP) in seven starts against the National League West this season. Oswalt’s gem was the third complete game by an opposing starter against the Dodgers this season.

Astros’ outfielder Carlos Lee left the game in the sixth inning with a left knee contusion. Lee fouled a pitch off his leg during an at-bat in the fourth frame and is day-to-day.

ON DECK:

In Game 3 of the four-game series the Dodgers send LHP Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 3.16) against LHP Mike Hampton (5-6, 4.52).