Saturday, June 20, 2009

Blown chances doom Dodgers

A 4-1 lead heading into the sixth inning was not big enough for the Dodgers, as the Angels surged ahead to claim the 5-4 win. It was a game marked by many great defensive plays for the Dodgers, as well as missed opportunities at the plate.

The first run came in the second when Russell Martin singled, Mitch Jones was hit by a pitch, and Rafael Furcal walked to load the bases. It seems like this happens to the Dodgers quite often, which is obviously a good thing. But, as my friend pointed out to me during the the game, "They'd have 10 less wins if it wasn't for the bases loaded walk." Probably true.

So naturally, that's the only way they scored. Orlando Hudson popped up to second for two down, but Casey Blake drew a close walk. Still loaded, Andre Ethier grounded out.

"Bad" Vlad Guerrero tied it up in the third with an RBI single to right, scoring Chone Figgins. I've had Vlad in my keeper fantasy league since 2002, and it's nice to know he's still alive. With one homer and 10 RBIs, it's safe to say I'm leaning towards letting him go for next year. Just a thought.

The Dodgers reclaimed the lead via the long ball, something I don't get to say too much. James Loney took a hanging breaking ball and crushed it over the right field fence to go up 2-1. In the fifth, Raffy hit a two-run shot for the 4-1 lead. It was his first homer since June 6, which happened to tie the game in the ninth against the Phillies.

With Chad Billingsley on the mound, it sure looked like it would be a good night for L.A. And it was... for the posers that claim they play in that city, when they actually really don't.

Billingsley went back to some old habits, as he gave up two walks and a single to load the bases with one down. His control was never really there, and he paid for it. A single by Maicer Izturis scored a couple, and a sac-fly RBI by Matt Napoli tied the game at four. Just like that, we were back to even.

In the eighth, the Dodgers again had the bases loaded, and again couldn't get that big hit. Juan Pierre fouled out to third to end the threat. In the bottom half, Juan Rivera worked a long at-bat to eventually hit the game-winning homer to left off of Guillermo Mota, putting the Angels up for good.

Up eight games in the NL West, the Dodgers obviously can afford to drop some games like this. Still, this is one they should've had, with their top pitcher on the mound and a three run lead. The defense did its part, highlighted by a third to first to shortstop double play to end the second, and an incredible diving catch by Blake with the bases loaded the next inning.

But Billingsley ended up walking five in six innings, which is way too many. The bats left 11 on base, with seven in scoring position and two outs. You have to think that with just one more big hit, the Dodgers could've claimed this one.

Today's game will be the battle of the Weaver brothers, Jeff and Jared. Jeff gets the spot start with Eric Milton and Eric Stults still on the DL. Hopefully older bro will help the Dodgers get only their fifth win in their last 22 games at Angel Stadium.

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