=== Houston Astros Team Report - July 19 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The Houston Astros try to remain on the winning track this evening when they start a two-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park.

Houston comes into tonight's tilt on a winning note as well, as Adam Everett's bases-loaded single in the seventh provided valuable insurance runs, helping Phil Garner earn his first win as manager of the Astros with a 5-3 triumph over the San Diego Padres in the finale of a three-game series from Minute Maid Park.

Carlos Beltran, Jeff Kent and Craig Biggio each homered for the Astros, who snapped a four-game skid and won their first game at home since July 3.

Roger Clemens (11-3) rebounded from his brutal All-Star Game start, earning his 321st career win with a seven-inning effort. He gave up two runs on four hits and a walk, striking out five, en route to his first win in his last four starts.

Houston, though, remained a season-high 12 games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis, its largest deficit in the division race since 2000.

The Astros will pin their hopes on 28-year-old righthander Brandon Duckworth, who has lost his last two appearances and is 1-2 on the season with a 7.53 ERA. His latest setback came on July 8 against the Dodgers, as he yielded three runs on seven hits in 7 2/3 frames.

Duckworth is 3-1 lifetime against the Dodgers with a 4.20 ERA in six games.

Houston is 23-22 at home this season.

The Dodgers have taken four of five matchups with the Astros this season.