On a day where Dodger fans everywhere remembered the colorful Jose Lima, A.J. Ellis hit a walk-off single to give the Dodgers a victory over the Braves in 11 innings, 5-4. Both teams split the four-game series in what is a possible playoff preview.
It was Viva Los Dodgers Day at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, as the team recognized Lima all day long. It started with Jose Lima Jr. throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Manny Ramirez. Taped footage was shown of Lima singing the National Anthem and God Bless America. It was a great celebration of his life.
On the field, it was the Braves who scored first. In the third, Omar Infante doubled with one out off of John Ely. Jason Heyward stepped up next and hit an RBI double to make it 1-0.
The Dodgers tied it for a moment in the fourth. James Loney and Matt Kemp each hit singles with one out. Garret Anderson hit a grounder to Troy Glaus at first, and he fired it wide of second, and the return throw was late as well to load the bases.
Blake DeWitt singled to center to tie the game at 1-1. Ellis had a big spot to come through... and hit into an inning ending double play.
Ely could not keep the game tied as the Braves hit him hard in the fifth. Martin Prado led off with a solo homer. Heyward then drew a walk with one out, and Brian McCann unloaded on a two-run shot to right, and it was 4-1 just like that. Coming into this game, Ely had not given up a home run. That quickly changed in this inning.
The offense was not doing much at this point, or for the last few games for that matter. But it was Rafael Furcal who started the rally, hitting his first homer of the season to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Jamey Carroll then reached on Infante's error.
Andre Ethier hit a double to put runners in scoring position. Loney laced a two-run single to center to tie the game. Kemp and Anderson both couldn't score Loney, though.
From there, both teams remained quiet for the next five innings. Jonathan Broxton worked around a leadoff double by Brooks Conrad in the ninth to strikeout the side.
The combination of Justin Miller, Hong-Chih Kuo, Jeff Weaver, Broxton, and Ronald Belisario went six innings in relief, giving up three hits, no runs, and five strikeouts. They more than gave the Dodgers chances to win.
In the 11th, the offense broke through. Russell Martin pinch-hit in Belisario's spot and walked. DeWitt laid down a nice sacrifice bunt to set it up for Ellis. At this point in the season, Ellis hadn't had a signature moment. Heck, he barely could get on the field.
But with two strikes, Ellis hit a sharp single to center that was enough for Martin to beat the throw home. Ellis will never be confused with a big-time slugger, but it was good to see one of the lesser known players come through in a big situation.
Ely had his roughest start since his first one. He lasted five innings for nine hits, four runs, two walks, and two strikeouts. It was unusual to see him give up a walk and a longball, but that's a compliment to how great he's been thus far. Even with this start, his overall ERA stands at 3.00.
Like I pointed out before, the bullpen was just awesome. They're the true stars of today's game. One night after being abused (mostly Ramon Troncoso), they showed why they're one of the best in baseball.
Neither win was easy for the Dodgers, as they had to grind it out the entire way. But they'll take it. Beating the Braves these days is not easy, especially with someone as hot as Tim Hudson on the mound.
There's no rest for the Dodgers, as they'll welcome the Cardinals in for three starting Monday. Carlos Monasterios will go in the first game. It won't be easy the next two, as the Cardinals have Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright lined up. So, winning Monday's game will be key.
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