Mark down August 12, 2010 as the day the Dodgers are OFFICIALLY done.
Up 9-2 entering the eighth inning, the combination of Ronald Belisario and Jonathan Broxton, two of the biggest clowns I can think of, could not hold the lead and lost to the Phillies, 10-9. Who cares how many games the Dodgers are in back of the NL West or Wild Card because it no longer matters.
The season is over. It's as simple as that.
It's a shame that the supposed "mighty bullpen" couldn't back up a great effort from the guys with the bats. But that's the Dodgers for ya. If there's a way to lose, they'll not only accomplish it but find new ways as well.
In happier times, the Dodgers started off on fire in the first. Scott Podsednik led off with a single. He soon advanced to third on a couple of grounders, and James Loney walked with two outs. What came next were three straight RBI singles from Ronnie Belliard, Matt Kemp, and Jamey Carroll for the 3-0 lead.
Clayton Kershaw gave up a couple of singles in the first, but worked out of it. In the second, Carlos Ruiz singled and Wilson Valdez doubled with one out. Joe Blanton hit a grounder that was good enough to score a run to make it 3-1.
The Phillies cut into the lead again in the fourth. Jayson Werth singled and stole second an out later. Ruiz had a big night (more on that later), and he added an RBI single to go down 3-2.
The Dodgers responded right away. Ryan Theriot and Andre Ethier singled for runners on the corners in the fifth. After an out, Belliard lined out to left, but Theriot had a great slide to tack on another run to make it 4-2.
From there, the Dodgers started pounding away, and sure looked like they put the game away. When you go up 9-2, you can't help but think the game is over. But nope, not the Dodgers. That's not the Dodger way! Not when your middle relief is horrible and your closer is complete p***y.
Anyway, Kemp made his return to the lineup and hit a two-run homer in the seventh to make it 6-2. It was his first home run in 10 days. It's a welcome sign for a guy that has looked as awful as Broxton. Well, maybe not that bad, but close.
The top of the eighth was great. Singles again hurt the Phillies, as Casey Blake, Kemp, and Carroll hit them in a row to score runs, and it was 9-2.
9-2 was the score entering the bottom of the eighth. Good enough for a win, right?
Wrong.
Belisario was flat out atrocious. But it's not a surprise considering this year has been a complete waste for him. Between arriving late for Spring Training and going on the restricted list, he's a shell of his former self. One year ago at this time he was among the best setup men in the game. Not so anymore.
Here's what Belisario did: single, single, wild pitch, single, balk, and double. That was good for two runs and not one damn out. Kenley Jansen came in, and he got Ruiz out before Valdez hit an RBI single to make it 9-6. It's kind of sad when George Sherrill was the star of the inning, getting the last two outs to avoid more trouble.
That left the game up to Broxton. He was facing the heart of the Phillies' lineup, but that was without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. And Matt Stairs. Did Broxton make big pitches and lead the way?
Ha ha, no way! He once again proved that he is the most overrated player in the game. End of story.
Placido Polanco was beaned to start, then walks came to Mike Sweeney and Werth. Bases loaded, nobody out.
The part that wasn't Broxton's fault came when Ben Francisco grounded one to Blake. One inning ago, Blake made a fantastic diving stop. This time, the ball went right through him to score two runs, making it 9-8. One out would have easily been made, but most likely two.
Ruiz doubled off the wall in center to end the game. So yes, Blake's error hurt, but it didn't matter much. Broxton would have given it up soon enough regardless. You can doubt me if you want, but that's what would have happened.
With the season over, I really think the Dodgers need to do a couple of things. One, hope Manny gets healthy enough to ship him to the American League for some young guys. Let the guy go hit for a contender. Two, remove Broxton as the closer. He can't get it done anymore. Let Kuo and Jansen handle it.
The Dodgers now have four games in Atlanta. The Braves have a slight lead in the NL East, but just lost Chipper Jones for the year. They have plenty to play for, so this won't be a whole lot of fun. I'll be thrilled if the Dodgers win one. Hiroki Kuroda goes in the first game against Tim Hudson.
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