The Dodgers broke out their big sticks on Friday night, clubbing five home runs. It almost wasn't enough, as the Brewers hit a couple themselves, and the game was tied at six after regulation.
Then the 12th inning came, and the Dodgers busted loose. It all started with a walk to Manny Ramirez, and the rout was on. A grand slam by Matt Kemp was the big highlight, as the Dodgers scored six and went on to win, 12-8.
This was a classic back-and-forth game between two of the National League's better teams, who also made the playoffs last season. Every time one team would grab a lead, the other would fight right back. For a baseball fan, it was fun to watch. (Just slightly more fun if you like the Dodgers).
Andre Ethier got things started in the first by creaming a solo shot to right for the 1-0 lead. The Brewers would get a couple runs off a shaky Chad Billingsley to grab the lead at 2-1.
A solo home run by James Loney was the Dodgers' next run, as they tied the game at two. But, like the first inning, the Brewers came right back. This time, it was a J.J. Hardy homer that made it 3-2 Brewers.
Things looked to be in the Dodgers' favor in the sixth, as they put up three runs. After an Ethier single, Manny cranked a two-run shot to center. Russell Martin then hit one of his own. Yes, I did just say that. It was now 5-3 Dodgers.
However, as has been the case way too often lately, Billingsley could not hold a lead in the middle of the game. I'm not sure why, but he again came unraveled. RBIs by Frank Catalanotto and Hardy tied the game at five, and it was obvious both teams were not going to give in.
Move to the bottom of the eighth, and Mike Cameron hit a homer off of Brent Leach, and the Brewers had reason to believe this would be their night. Entering the ninth, they had a 6-5 lead and Trevor Hoffman coming into the game.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, went right to work. Martin started it with a single. Orlando Hudson sacrificed him over to second. In a surprising move, Kemp then reached on a bunt. Had that not worked, he would have been second guessed for quite some time. But, it did, so he won't. An RBI single by pinch-hitting Mark Loretta sent the game to extras.
The Brewers sent in Carlos Villanueva, and boy was he just awful. The Dodgers absolutely lit him up for six runs. He got the first out, then walked Manny. As I said before, it was all over after that. The big blows were an RBI triple by Casey Blake, an RBI infield single by Martin, and a towering grand slam by Kemp.
Now, the Brewers certainly didn't roll over and die, as they made life for Jonathan Broxton pretty hard. The first three guys reached on two singles and a walk. With two runs in, two on, and two outs, Jason Kendall hit a long fly ball to center. Kemp raced back and made a Willie Mays style catch to emphatically end the game.
The offense was obviously the highlight, as they are adjusting quite nicely to Manny's return. Billingsley and Broxton were again a concern, as they just didn't seem to have much control. Bills gave up five runs in five innings, walking four. Broxon gave up two runs in an inning. Not exactly the numbers you'd want to see from your All-Stars.
Nonetheless, it was another dramatic win in a long list of them this season. When the Dodgers needed to step up, they did. Manny did his part, but everyone up and down the lineup contributed. And that's why they have the best record in baseball.
Jeff Weaver will get a spot start on Saturday. He's been great this season, taking the ball whenever needed and giving the Dodgers a chance to win. That's all they can ask for.
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