Matt Kemp hit his 30th homer of the season, joining Raul Mondesi as the only players in Dodgers' franchise history to make the 30/30 club as the Dodgers beat the Rockies, 6-1. Mondesi pulled off this impressive accomplishment twice in 1997 and 1999, while Kemp did it the fastest in only 130 games.
Carlos Gonzalez got the Rockies on the board with a solo homer in the first. It was his 24th of the season, two behind Troy Tulowitzki for tops on the team. The Dodgers tried to fight right back on singles by James Loney and Kemp, but Juan Rivera grounded into a double play to end the inning.
For the next five innings, it was all about the dominance of Ted Lilly and Esmil Rogers, as both didn't budge. Lilly only allowed four baserunners on two singles, a walk, and an error in innings 2-7. The Dodgers put up a threat in the fourth, as Andre Ethier singled and Aaron Miles doubled with two outs, only to see Rod Barajas pop up in foul territory for the final out.
The seventh inning would be a wild one, and the one the Dodgers needed to bust the game wide open. Rogers had been cruising up until this point, but allowed walks to Ethier and Miles to open the inning. Barajas then singled to load the bases. Jamey Carroll lifted a fly ball to center in which Ethier tried to tag up on, but was gunned out at home by Gonzalez for the second out.
Just when it looked like the Dodgers wouldn't have anything to show for the bases loaded and nobody out, Tony Gwynn pinch-hit for Lilly and was put on intentionally to pitch to Justin Sellers. But, before Sellers had a chance to do anything, Rogers balked, allowing Miles to score and tie the game. Sellers took advantage of the momentum by hitting a two-run single to make it 3-1.
The damage wasn't done yet, as after Mark Reynolds relieved, Loney smacked a two-run homer, and it was 5-1. Kemp then joined the prestigious 30/30 club with a solo homer to center, and the Dodgers had a big 6-1 lead.
Kenley Jansen hasn't pitched in exactly one month since hitting the DL, and he was summoned in the eighth. He retired the Rockies in order, which was no doubt a great sign. Even though he missed a good amount of time, he still hasn't allowed a run since May 28, lowering his ERA from 6.43 to 3.55.
Scott Elbert came on and closed it out, allowing singles to Tulo and Todd Helton in the process, though they were both stranded.
It was a great night overall for the Dodgers, as in addition to the win and Kemp making history, Vin Scully announced he will be returning for a 63rd season in 2012. What would Dodger games be like without listening to Vin? I don't think any of us even want to think about it. In a season of turmoil, that's some of the best news we've heard yet.
One person who deserves plenty of credit during the Dodgers' four-game winning streak is Loney. Over his last five games, he's hitting .619 (13-for-21) with three doubles, two homers, and six RBIs. He's certainly received his fair share of criticism this season (myself definitely included), but also needs to be recognized when he plays well. After hitting a horrific .176 in July, he's up to .379 this month.
Lilly is another one who recently has found success. In this one he went seven innings for three hits, one run, one walk, and five strikeouts. His only blemish was the homer by Gonzalez in the first. He went through horrible summer months with a 7.01 ERA in June and 5.20 in July. In five August starts, however, he's at a 2.20 ERA with a 0.80 WHIP.
After getting swept by the Brewers last week in three close games, the Dodgers have won six of their last eight. Even though the playoffs won't be anywhere to be found, it's still good to see them play hard. They're now a game behind the Rockies for third in the NL West, which is where they should aim to finish this year. I know, not exactly a great goal, but a whole lot better than dead last.
Saturday afternoon's game will be on FOX, as Chad Billingsley takes the mound looking to get over .500. Unlike last week, this game might actually stay on TV. Enjoy it for those of you who can.
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