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Billingsley puts perfect record on line vs. Astros

Jul 23, 2007 - 1:35 PM LA Dodgers (55-44) at Houston (42-56) 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) - After a poor showing at home in their last series, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to right their ship on the road as they start a three-game series with the Houston Astros on Monday.

The Dodgers have played well on the road of late, going 8-3 since June 21. They are 26-20 overall away from Dodger Stadium, trailing only the New York Mets (29) in road wins in the National League.

Chad Billingsley (6-0, 3.56 ERA) will be asked to spearhead the effort to improve that mark, as he will get the start despite being bothered by a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.

Los Angeles is 5-1 in games started by Billingsley, who never has faced Houston.

The Dodgers are walking a tightrope with their pitching staff - Randy Wolf (shoulder) has not pitched since July 3 and closer Takashi Saito (shoulder) has missed the last four contests.

Billingsley did not record no-decision in his last outing on Wednesday, as he yielded four runs over five innings against Philadelphia.

The Astros are just happy to get back to Minute Maid Park since they own the league's worst road record at 18-34. They are 24-22 at home.

Chris Sampson (7-6, 4.15) gets the start for the Astros. The righthander will be eyeing his second straight win after allowing two runs over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 victory Tuesday over Washington.

Sampson will be making his first career appearance against the Dodgers.