It may take a long time for the Dodgers to get over this one.
With everything going their way through eight innings on Sunday, Jonathan Broxton couldn't hold the lead, as the Yankees tied it up and went on to win in 10 innings, 8-6. The loss erased a great start from Clayton Kershaw, who was dazzling for seven innings.
One day after putting together a great effort in winning 9-4, the Dodgers scored the first five runs of the game. They had every reason to believe they would take two of three from the Yankees. Instead, they fell to 4-11 in interleague play, which mercifully ended today.
The Yankees' own blunders handed the Dodgers a couple of runs in the third. Reed Johnson started in place of the slumping Matt Kemp and doubled leading off. Kershaw laid down a bunt that went to Andy Pettitte, who then fired wide of third to let Johnson score.
Ronnie Belliard then bunted as well, and Pettitte's throw was low to first, sailing away to allow Kershaw to score for a 2-0 lead. A sac-fly RBI from Andre Ethier made it 3-0.
The next inning brought more runs for the Dodgers. Again, it was Johnson doubling to start. Kershaw again sacrificed him over to third, and Rafael Furcal hit a sac-fly RBI to make it 4-0. A solo shot by Belliard increased it to 5-0, and the Dodgers were in firm control.
Kershaw's only blemish of the night was in the sixth. Derek Jeter led off and singled. Following a couple of outs, Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run homer to cut the lead to 5-2. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time, but that hit would sure pay off later.
The Dodgers picked up an insurance run (at least at the time) in the eighth. Jamey Carroll pinch-hit and singled, then stole second. A double from Raffy made it 6-2.
At this point, Joe Torre had the option of bringing in Ramon Troncoso or Jonathan Broxton in a non-save situation. He chose to go with Broxton. It didn't work.
No matter how you slice it, Broxton was just flat-out atrocious in melting down once again in a big game situation. He actually struck out Mark Teixeira pretty easily to lead off. Then it all went downhill. Hard.
A-Rod singled, went to second on fielder's indifference, and scored on Robinson Cano's double. Following a single by Jorge Posada, Curtis Granderson walked to load the bases. Chad Huffman, who had all of one hit in eight career at-bats coming into this game, hit a two-run single to make it 6-5.
Next up was some guy named Colin Curtis. He had two hits in four career at-bats. Once again, the inexperience made no difference. But, it's not like home plate umpire Chris Guccione gave Broxton any help. With two strikes, there's no better way to describe the next pitch other than saying it was right down the middle and called a ball.
Curtis then grounded one to Loney at first. With Granderson streaking towards home, Loney must have had a temporary brain freeze by stepping on first for the out then trying to get the out at home. The throw was easily late, and the game was tied at 6-6.
Mariano Rivera got the Dodgers in order in the ninth. Teixeira singled off of Troncoso to start the 10th. Rodriguez forced him out at second for one out. In came George Sherrill to face Cano.
Do I even have to tell you if Sherrill got the big out? Well, I will anyway... he didn't. Cano launched a two-run shot that proved to be the game winner. Carroll grounded out to end the game.
The Dodgers have played like crap lately, but this has to be their worst loss this year. They had all the opportunities in the world to take two of three at home, and just choked it away. It was pathetic.
The Dodgers also have to be worried about Broxton. I don't care what his numbers say or how fast he throws. He just cannot close the door in big games. Twice in two years against the Phillies, and tonight against the Yankees. He throws hard stuff, but batters can foul them away because there's no movement. They just wait for him to make a mistake and pounce on it. And that's why he can't beat great teams.
Maybe people might think I'm overreacting to one bad outing, but if Broxton can't even hold a 6-2 lead against the bottom part of the order, that's just sad. He needs to shut the door in those situations, period. Not only does it take away a big win for a team desperately needing one, but it robs Kershaw of the win and recognition he deserves.
As for Sherrill, I think it may be time to pull the plug on him. He's proven that for whatever reason, he can't get hitters out anymore. He has a 6.75 ERA for crying out loud. With a perfect chance to keep the game tied, he gave up a monster homer. Inexcusable on his part.
I'm not sure how the Dodgers regroup from this, but they'll have to and fast. Next up is three games in San Francisco. The Giants are now in second place in the NL West. If there's any reason for optimism, it's that the Dodgers are 18-5 against the West. At this point, they'd rather see anyone other than the American League.
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