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Astros' Moehler, Berkman overwhelm Dodgers

May 10, 2008 - 7:09 AM By Jonathan Raber PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - After a successful spot start, Brian Moehler might have made a case to stay in the Houston Astros' rotation a little longer.

Moehler pitched five scoreless innings to notch his first win in nearly two years as the Astros claimed a 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

Lance Berkman finished a triple shy of the cycle while driving in two runs with his 12th home run of the season and Carlos Lee added a pair of RBI for the Astros.

Moehler (1-0) last recorded a victory on June 17, 2006 as a member of the Florida Marlins. He was making his first start of the season after five relief appearances in which he amassed a 7.04 ERA.

The 36-year-old surrendered five hits - all singles - while walking one and striking out five.

"(Moehler) is all business when he steps on the mound, whether it is out of the bullpen or starting," Astros catcher Brad Ausmus said. "He did an excellent job. ... He gave us five solid innings, really couldn't have asked more out of him."

Moehler was starting in place of lefthander Wandy Rodriguez, who is on the disabled list with an injured groin.

"I think (Moehler) would be the leading candidate to get another (start)," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said.

Asked if he would like a second start when the spot in the rotation comes up, Moehler remained diplomatic.

"My job is a long (relief) guy and spot starter," he said. "So we'll take it day-by-day and see what happens."

The Astros' bullpen closed the door on the Dodgers, limiting them to two hits over the final four innings.

Berkman, who currently ranks in the top two in eight National League offensive categories, has now recorded hits in 16 of his last 20 at-bats and reached safely 21 of 25 times.

"I doubt I've had a week like it - and I doubt I will ever have another week like it," Berkman said. "I'm just going to enjoy it."

He continued his tear on Friday, reaching base four times. He belted a two-run blast off Dodgers starter Derek Lowe (2-3) in the fifth, which gave the Astros a 6-0 lead.

"(Berkman) is just sizzling right now," Cooper said. "He's putting good swings, he's just been outstanding the last few weeks, red-hot, and I hope it continues."

Lowe was shaky for the second straight outing. After allowing five runs in five innings against Colorado on Sunday, he did not fair much better against Houston, surrendering six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

"His last few times out, he's had trouble locating," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "It's either the location or that the ball is not moving the way it was."

Lee got the scoring started, plating Berkman with a double in the second before scoring later in the inning on an error by second baseman Jeff Kent.

Kaz Matsui delivered an RBI double in the third and scored on a sacrifice fly by Lee to give Houston a 4-0 advantage.

James Loney and rookie Blake DeWitt had two hits apiece and Chin-lung Hu drove in the lone run for Los Angeles with a groundout in the ninth inning.