I don't think it's humanly possible to blow as many chances to win a game as the Dodgers did last night.
Proving yet again why they are unable to be a first place team, the Philadelphia Phillies rallied in the 9th to tie the game at 2, then used a 3-run homer to win it in 11, 5-2. The Arizona Diamondbacks also lost, which meant that the Dodgers not only blew the game, but a golden opportunity to gain a game back. It's a 3 game lead for them in the West.
I chose not to blog about this last night after the game because I was so damn pissed off. It's unreal just how this team can throw so many chances to win a game out the window. It's also downright embarrassing. But that's the Dodgers for ya - they are an embarrassment.
Let's look at the 1st inning. True, they scored a run. But look deeper, and you'll see why they should have had much more. Andre Ethier walked, Jeff Kent singled, and Manny Ramirez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. James Loney singled (a rare clutch hit from someone not named Manny Ramirez), but only 1 run scored. Nomar Garciaparra and Casey Blake each had chances to at least get 1 more run in. After all, they're veteran bats that have come through before.
So of course that means that Nomar flied out to shallow right and Blake K'd. Gee, how shocking.
Ok, let's see what else we can find. Matt Kemp doubled and stole 3rd with 2 down in the 2nd, but Ethier flied out. Kent singled to start the 3rd, but Manny K'd and Loney hit into a double play. Hiroki Kuroda singled to being the 5th and Kemp walked. Ethier grounded into a fielder's choice, and Kent hit into a double play.
Are you beginning to detect a theme here?
I could go on, but what's the point? This team just refuses to show any life offensively and work hard to score runs. Grounding into 3 double plays and leaving 13 men on base is absolutely pitiful. PITIFUL. Joe Torre, I feel for ya.
What's lost in all of this is the start from Kuroda, which was really good. He went 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K. Pretty dominating, but keep in mind he plays for the Dodgers, where practically only no-hitters are good enough to earn a win.
Jonathan Broxton may be a great closer one day, but he looked lost last night. Even with the Dodgers up 2-1, it still wasn't good enough. Then again, the lead should have been much more, so it all comes back to the pathetic offense. True, Broxton should have closed it, but it's still the fault of the offense in the first place.
Basically the Dodgers need someone without the last name of Ramirez to step up, get a damn hit, and show some heart. I know, I'm reaching here, but it's worth a shot. They've got 1 more in Philly tonight before going to Washington, and then a big series this weekend in Arizona. And with the way the Dodgers are playing, the DBacks can easily put this division away when they meet up.
Chad Billingsley will get the call tonight, and if anyone can break a losing streak, it's him. Of course, that would also require the offense to.... oh I don't know......... maybe score more than 2 or 3 runs? Ya, like that'll happen....
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