Beating Rocket a Real Boost

The Dodgers reveled in their accomplishment Saturday because Roger Clemens’ resume is as intimidating as his fastball.

Their mood was more upbeat than usual after a victory, as Wilson Alvarez outdueled the future Hall of Famer, Paul Lo Duca hit a three-run home run and the defense dazzled again as the Dodgers defeated Houston, 3-1, at Dodger Stadium.

Clemens also impressed at times, striking out eight over seven innings in his first appearance against the Dodgers, but Alvarez and Lo Duca stole the show as the Dodgers won for the seventh time in eight games before 46,321.

Alvarez pitched six-plus strong innings, delivering his second consecutive quality start since rejoining a rotation overhauled because of injuries. And considering that he was opposing The Rocket, a six-time Cy Young Award winner, the Dodgers said the veteran left-hander’s feat was especially impressive.

“All wins are big, and you want to win every one that’s in front of you, but when a future Hall of Famer like Roger Clemens comes into your house ... you know it’s going to be a battle,” left fielder Dave Roberts said. “For him to go out there and match Clemens pitch for pitch, he kept us in the ballgame.”

Lo Duca’s contribution put them on top. With none out and runners on second and third in the sixth, the All-Star catcher connected on a first-pitch split-fingered fastball from Clemens to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.

“You’ve got to keep your mistakes to a minimum,” said Clemens, expected to start Tuesday for the National League in the All-Star game at Houston. “The ones you do make are the ones that get magnified.”

Lo Duca’s eighth homer gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead, more than enough with sharp setup man Guillermo Mota and All-Star closer Eric Gagne eager to work.

The Astros loaded the bases in the seventh but produced only one run on pinch-hitter Mike Lamb’s sacrifice fly. Shortstop Cesar Izturis and second baseman Alex Cora made nifty defensive plays in the inning to minimize the damage.

Gagne took over to start the eighth and threw two perfect innings -- striking out the side in the ninth -- for his 23rd save in 24 opportunities and the 130th of his career, breaking the franchise record he had shared with Jeff Shaw.

The Dodgers (47-38) got their second victory against the Astros (44-43) in a four-game series that ends today, and remained atop the NL West. They overcame Clemens as Alvarez accomplished his goal and Lo Duca made the most of an opportunity against someone who doesn’t provide many.

“To beat Clemens is something else. It’s like winning a playoff game,” said Alvarez, who has a 3.72 earned-run average in seven starts this season.

“I knew before the game I have to give my best stuff and get people out. I know if I give up a few runs it’s going to be hard to win the game.

“I know I’ve got to get my ‘A-game,’ because everybody knows who’s on the other side. I’ve got to celebrate big. To beat that guy was not easy. Today was a big celebration day.”

Alvarez (3-3) established his fastball early and relied on the pitch. Manager Jim Tracy pulled him after the first two batters reached in the seventh, and fans saluted the 13-year veteran with a standing ovation as he walked off the field slowly and tipped his cap in appreciation.

“He basically dominated,” Lo Duca said. “He established inside early, and that’s what made his changeup effective. He got a little tired, which was understandable, but he matched Roger pitch for pitch.”

Lo Duca won two battles against Clemens (10-3) after striking out to end the first. He doubled to right field to start the fourth but was stranded at second as Clemens struck out Milton Bradley, Shawn Green and Jayson Werth.

Roberts walked to start the sixth, triggering a cat-and-mouse encounter as Clemens repeatedly threw to first in an attempt to dissuade the speedy leadoff batter from trying to steal second. Roberts, second in the NL with 28 stolen bases, stole second.

Izturis, the No. 2 hitter, blooped a double that landed just inside the right-field line as three Astros pursued the ball, but Roberts could advance only to third after waiting to see if the ball would be caught. Lo Duca hit Clemens’ first pitch to left and took a curtain call after celebrating in the dugout.

“I was just looking for something to try to hit a ground ball to second base,” Lo Duca said. “I was looking for a slider or something, off-speed away, and he just hung a split-finger there and it hit my bat.

“He blew me away in the first inning, got me on a fastball away, and my approach after that was not to do too much because you can’t. His ball is moving every which way. He’s got nasty stuff.”