So I think this weekend's games officially makes the Dodgers the weirdest team in baseball to figure out.
The Dodgers had probably their most complete effort of the season, pummeling Brandon Webb early and often as they easily won, 8-1. The win makes the margin 2.5 games, as the Dodgers took 2 of 3 in Arizona. Not bad for a team that was absolutely pitiful in the other 8 road games.
It was really amazing to see just how lost Webb looked, and how great the Dodgers were in pounding the ball all night. Even their outs were mostly hit hard. In all, they had 12 hits (including a double and 2 homers), stole 2 bases, and took 7 walks. True, they still left 10 men on base, but that's bound to happen to some extent when so many men get on base. It was obviously the type of clutch performance they've desperately been waiting for.
It all started in the 1st when Andre Ethier launched an 0-2 pitch to right-center for a solo shot. Manny Ramirez took the first of his 3 walks and James Loney singled. Matt Kemp hit into a fielder's choice, and 2 were on with 2 down. Casey Blake then continued on his solid weekend by hammering a 3-run shot to dead center, and the game was pretty much over after that.
Blake DeWitt contributed with a sac-fly RBI in the 3rd for a 5 run lead, and the scoring continued in the 4th. Ethier started it with a long double to score Russell Martin. With Ethier on 3rd and Manny on 2nd, Kemp's dribbler along the 3rd base line was misplayed by Mark Reynolds, and both runs scored. It capped a pretty miserable night overall for the DBacks.
The offense was on fire, but Derek Lowe made sure the lead would never even come close to being threatened. He went 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. His stuff was nasty, as the DBacks really stood no chance against him. Another good sign was the 2nd appearance from lefty Scott Elbert, who despite giving up a solo shot to Reynolds, looked really good. He and Kershaw are pretty much clones, with wicked fastballs and good breaking stuff. Look out for him.
With rosters expanding and some of the DL guys being healthy, the Dodgers will be given more options to find the right combination. I'm sure Martin will be kept at leadoff, more because they're 2 for 3 with him there. The key will continue to be guys like Ethier, Kemp, Loney, and Blake. The team cannot afford to watch them go through hitting slumps again if they want to make their move.
It's a lot of division play from here on out, starting tonight with a 3 game set at home against San Diego. After a 2-8 road trip, getting home will be a very welcome sight. Greg Maddux will try again for his first win as a Dodger against the returning Chris Young, who hasn't pitched since August 10. The DBacks play St. Louis, who are battling for a playoff spot themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment