On a day where the Lakers ended their season in embarrassing fashion, Clayton Kershaw went nearly seven strong to help the Dodgers avoid the sweep against the Mets, 4-2. The win also snaps a four-game losing streak.
Kershaw started the day looking a little shaky as the Mets scored in the first. Justin Turner and David Wright took a couple of walks with one out. After Jason Bay struck out, Ronny Paulino hit an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
The Dodgers tied the game up in the second. Kershaw led off and was beaned, then took second on a passed ball. Jamey Carroll grounded out but advanced him to third. Aaron Miles came though with an RBI single to tie it.
In the fourth, the Dodgers grabbed the lead, which eventually turned out to be one they would not relinquish. With one out, James Loney and Jerry Sands each singled for runners on the corners. Rod Barajas hit a slow dribbler to Wright at third for the out, but Loney easily scored to make it 2-1.
The fifth inning was interesting in that the Dodgers once again had the bases loaded, and once again blew it. Carroll, Miles, and Andre Ethier all singled to open. Matt Kemp then reached for a horrible pitch and grounded into the 1-2-3 double play. Juan Uribe grounded out, and you got that feeling that the Dodgers would find a way to blow it again.
Except that they didn't. Hey, it had to happen sometime. In fact, the lead was increased in the seventh. Carroll had a great series with seven hits, and he singled leading off. Miles then sacrificed him into scoring position. Ethier stepped up and started a new hitting streak with a two-run homer to right, making it 4-1.
Things got interesting in the bottom of the frame, as the Dodgers would bend, but did not break. Kershaw was lifted with two on and two out. Kenley Jansen walked Wright to load the bases. Bay could not get the big hit, as he flew out to left to end the inning.
Fast forward to the ninth, and it was Vicente Padilla time. He is the official closer now that Broxton is on the DL (and should stay the closer when he comes back). It wasn't easy, but he got his second save. David Murphy singled with one down. Jose Reyes ripped another triple to cut the score to 4-2. Carlos Beltran then flew out, and Wright struck out swinging to end it.
The win was obviously a much needed one for the Dodgers, who have looked completely lifeless lately. Kind of like watching the Lakers attempt to play D, but not quite as bad. Anyway, it's a good sign that they could give the ball to their ace and get the job done.
Speaking of the ace, Kershaw went 6 2/3 innings for six hits, one run, three walks, and eight strikeouts. He shook off some early trouble to take control on the mound. It's his fourth win of the season, and his ERA is now at 3.12.
The bullpen had a good day as well. Jansen got Bay for a huge out in the seventh. Matt Guerrier pitched a flawless eighth. Padilla gave up the triple to Reyes, but got two big outs after that to close the door. Any sign of progress for that group will gladly be taken.
Today marked the fourth straight series in which the Dodgers dropped two of three. I'm no math expert, but I believe that's good for a 4-8 record. And that, my friends, isn't good. They won't have any time for rest, because they just began a stretch of 20 straight days of games.
Next up will be a four game set in Pittsburgh. The Pirates at least aren't a complete joke anymore, as they have a 17-17 record. They're still not very good, but at least not the laughingstock they're so used to being. Chad Billingsley gets the call.
No comments:
Post a Comment