The Dodgers and Angels split the first two games of the Freeway Series, as both teams had trouble driving in runners on base. That wouldn't be a problem today, as the Angels were able to do a little more, winning 10-7.
The second inning was great for L.A. (you know, the team that actually DOES play there, not the imitators). Rookie Jamie Hoffmann, getting his first ever start in the majors, launched a three-run shot to put the Dodgers up 4-0. With Chad Billingsley on the mound, all signs pointed to a victory.
The Angels, however, had other ideas. Frustrated by not being able to take advantage of runners on base the first couple of games, Torii Hunter lead the way in knocking around Billingsley.
It all started in the third with RBIs on Rob Quinlan's double and Chone Figgins' single. That slashed the lead to 4-2, but Billingsley was able to get through the next two innings unscathed.
With a low pitch count, Billingsley entered the sixth with some momentum. That was short-lived, as the Angles put up a three spot to take the lead. Four straight hitters reached base to start the inning, as Hunter and Juan Rivera hit RBI singles, and Kendry Morales hit a sac-fly RBI.
Billingsley left after six innings, and Cory Wade tried to keep it a one-run game. That didn't happen, as Hunter again struck with a two-run single, pushing their lead to 7-4.
Despite not scoring for five innings, the Dodgers refused to go quietly. Darren Oliver came on to pitch for the Angles, and Orlando Hudson and Casey Blake greeted him with singles. James Loney hit a sac-fly RBI, and it was now 7-5.
Hoffmann would continue his memorable day by doubling just in front of a sliding Bobby Abreu to score Matt Kemp, and it was now 7-6. Mark Loretta pinch-hit and was walked intentionally to load the bases, and it was now up to pinch-hitting Rafael Furcal and Pierre to get something done with one out.
Well, they did get something done, just not for the Dodgers. Raffy grounded into a fielder's choice to force Kemp at home, and Pierre grounded out. That was as close as the Dodgers would get.
Brent Leach and Ramon Troncoso were pretty much awful in the ninth, as the Angles added three more runs to make it 10-6. Blake hit an RBI double to close out the scoring on this day.
The offense certainly can't be faulted, as they were able to make plenty of things happen. The pitching never came through, though. Billingsley gave up five runs (four earned) in six innings, but did strike out six.
The bullpen was even worse. Wade could only get two outs while giving up two runs, Leach gave up one run 1/3 of an inning, and Troncoso gave up two runs in 2/3. Five runs in three innings for the bullpen just won't get it done.
The loss today gives the Dodgers only their second series loss at home out of eight total. That's still very impressive. The Angels, like always, are a very solid team, so it's not like they lost to some scrubs. It's a good thing for them that their players aren't as dumb as their team name is.
The Dodgers will now hit the road for seven games, starting with three in Colorado. Eric Stults will get the start on Memorial Day.
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