Checo Is Roughed Up by Revved-Up Astros

Rookie pitcher Robinson Checo failed to make it out of the first inning Sunday during the Astros’ 9-4 division-clinching victory over the Dodgers in the final regular-season game at the Astrodome.

The Astros overwhelmed Checo before a raucous sellout crowd of 52,033 to earn their third consecutive National League Central title. Left-hander Mike Hampton (22-4) gave up only one run in seven innings to help Houston finish the regular season 97-65. The Astros move to Enron Field next season.

Checo (2-2) was making his second start for the Dodgers. He was pitching in place of 18-game winner Kevin Brown, whom Manager Davey Johnson would have started on three days’ rest if the staff ace could have won 20.

The erratic Checo, acquired by General Manager Kevin Malone during the season for veteran starter Dave Mlicki, entered the game with a 8.22 earned-run average. The right-hander walked four consecutive batters with one out in the first inning to force in a run.

Then Checo gave up a bases-loaded double to Daryle Ward to extend the Astros’ lead to 4-0. Johnson finally removed Checo after walk No. 5.

Checo threw only 13 strikes in 37 pitches. He finished the season with a 10.34 ERA.

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Johnson praised the effort of his coaching staff throughout the difficult season.

“I feel it has been a good group of guys,” he said. “The people who were with the Dodgers before I got here, I feel they really did a good job. The people Kevin brought in and I brought in, I feel they did a good job too.”

A decision on the staff is expected soon.

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Center fielder Devon White is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, a team spokesman said.

White has been bothered by minor shoulder pain. Lewis Yocum, Angel team physician, is scheduled to perform the procedure.