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Billingsley dominates over seven innings

On Saturday at Dodger Stadium, fans will see two pitchers going in opposite directions.

White Sox right-hander Philip Humber is 1-2 in his last four starts, while Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley has won his last two contests.

In Sunday's start against the Astros, Humber went 5 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs (five earned) on six hits, three of which were home runs. He also struck out nine and walked two during his fourth loss.

"I felt like I made a lot of good pitches," Humber said after the start. "The ones that weren't good pitches left the ballpark. I just got a couple of pitches up."

Humber has gone just 1-4 with a 7.50 ERA since hurling the 21st perfect game in Major League history on April 21 against the Mariners.

Meanwhile, Billingsley has righted the ship since going nine straight starts without a victory. In his last two starts, the right-hander has allowed only two earned runs in 14 innings pitched.

Against Seattle on Monday, he gave up one run on two hits in seven innings. Billingsley also struck out eight and walked only three for his fourth win.

Mixing his pitches well during the start, Billingsley attacked the zone and was able to throw all of his pitches for strikes.

"The key is getting my offspeed pitches over for strikes," Billingsley said. "I feel the same as I did four or five starts ago, but I'm throwing those curves and sliders and changeups over for strikes. When I'm not able to, it makes it harder to pitch."

White Sox: Danks to see doctor on Monday
• White Sox starting pitcher John Danks said he'll see a doctor on Monday after experiencing soreness in his left shoulder. He played catch Friday before the team's series opener against the Dodgers instead of throwing a bullpen session as previously planned.

Danks said he spoke to team doctor Gregory Nicholson, whom he'll see Monday in Chicago. He last pitched on Tuesday in a rehab outing with Triple-A Charlotte, allowing three runs (one earned) in four innings.

"We're doing everything we know to do to make me feel better," Danks said. "I haven't quite gotten over the hump yet. Keep doing what we're doing and play it by ear."

• Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will could begin a rehab assignment on Monday, manager Robin Ventura said on Friday. Fukudome has been on the disabled list since June 7, retroactive to June 4, for a strained right oblique.

Dodgers: Mattingly likes Torre at helm
• Manager Don Mattingly said he would allow his players to take part in the 2013 World Baseball Classic if asked, thanks to newly named manager Joe Torre's track record as a big league manager.

"He's been through enough of those tournaments to have a better understanding," Mattingly said. "When he was managing the Yankees and guys were leaving and getting ready to go play, he'll have a better feel for that. He'll be great for it. He'll be a great ambassador."

With Torre's background, Mattingly said he wouldn't hold players like Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier back if they wanted to participate.

"We're trying to win a World Series, [so that is only] if [the Classic] doesn't get in the way of it and our guys are going to be prepared as Day One starts," he said.

Worth noting
• The White Sox have outscored their opponents by 36 runs (306-270), the fifth largest differential in the Majors behind Texas (+76), the Dodgers (+53), St. Louis (+52) and the Yankees (+51).

• On Sunday, a group of 24 kids, ages 7-14, will be participating in the Los Angeles Dodgers Championship of the 2012 Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run program at Dodger Stadium.

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