Playing the Rockies = no more slump

Quite a difference going from Johan Santana to Greg Reynolds.

Facing a struggling team with a lousy starting pitcher was just what the Dodgers needed to somewhat forget about their recent road trip. The Dodgers put up 5 runs in the first 3 innings en route to an 8-2 shellacking of the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. The Rockies have now dropped 8 straight.

I guess I need to put in perspective just how bad I thought the Dodgers were. They're still a .500 team, but the Rockies are just plain sad this year. World Series one year, the cellar the next. Amazing. They were an average team at the start of last year then turned it on, and they are going to have to do that and then some if they even want to contend this year.

But hey, my blog is about the Dodgers, so let's focus on them. More specifically, Derek Lowe, who has turned in his 3rd straight great start, and this time he actually got the win! After getting the first 2 batters out, he then gave up 3 straight singles for a run, but then got Ian Stewart to line out with 2 men on. From then on, it was cruise control as he finished at 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Good Lowe is back (for now).

The bats wasted little time in scoring, as Matt Kemp continued his hot play with a double with 1 down in the 1st. After going to 3rd on a wild pitch, he scored on Andre Ethier's groundout. Jeff Kent, who has definitely struggled this year, hit a solo shot into left for a 2-1 lead.

Lowe and Juan Pierre added RBI's in the 3rd, and Ethier launched one to right for his 5th homer in the 5th inning for a 6-1 lead. 2 more runs were chipped on in the 8th when Kemp hit one out, and Danny Ardoin, playing for Russell Martin, singled in James Loney. 8 runs in 1 night - didn't think I'd see that again!

It's good to see the Dodgers not only score early, but actually keep the scoring up as the game went on. Lowe had an ERA of 5.34 after getting rocked in Anaheim on May 18, but he's not at 4.17. That roller coaster ride continues. Now if Brad Penny ever gets on track, then the starting staff will finally look well-rounded.

I said the other day that the Dodgers need to at least take 2, and tonight they get their chance as Penny goes up against Jeff Francis. 2 of the better pitchers in the National League last year are just horrible this year, so they'll both be looking for a rebound.