And still lost.
Cody Ransom's two-run homer in the seventh gave the Diamondbacks a lead they would not relinquish, as they got the win, 4-3. The Dodgers were close to gaining a sweep, but still settled for two of three against a hot team.
After the Dodgers wasted away a couple singles in the first by Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, Kershaw fell victim to the longball. Ryan Roberts led off and walked. Kelly Johnson then stepped in and took a pitch to deep center for a two-run shot and 2-0 lead.
With the Dodgers' offense facing the tough Ian Kennedy, they were blanked through four. But, in the top of the fifth, an unlikely source got them on the board. James Loney led off and launched a solo shot into right to make it 2-1. It was only his fifth home run of the year, and his 18th extra base hit. So needless to say, don't get used to the power.
As Kershaw settled down after a rough first, the Dodgers took the lead in the sixth. Aaron Miles singled with one out. Ethier then lined a hard one into right for an RBI double to make it 2-2. Kemp usually thrives in these situations, but he grounded out for a couple down. No matter, as Juan Rivera's RBI single up the middle put the Dodgers ahead at 3-2.
Kershaw mowed through the sixth inning and was given a chance to do so again in the seventh. He got Miguel Montero to fly to left, but Collin Cowgill singled. Ransom only had nine career home runs playing with the Giants, Astros, Yankees, Phillies, and DBacks. You wouldn't know that, however, as he absolutely crushed a two-run homer to left to grab the lead back at 4-3.
A double by Sean Burroughs chased Kershaw with one out in the seventh. Josh Lindblom did a great job in getting out the jam, and then pitching a flawless eighth to keep it a one-run game.
It hardly mattered, as the bats were kept silent by the David Hernandez-J.J. Putz combination, as all six batters went down in order. It was save #26 for Putz.
I know Don Mattingly had to love his chances of getting a sweep with his ace on the mound late in the game. Kershaw was most likely only going to pitch through seven, as his pitch count was over 100. It just didn't work out. But even in the situation presented itself again, I doubt anything would change. Kershaw deserves that chance to get as many outs as he can.
In all, Kershaw lasted 6 1/3 innings for five hits, four runs, three walks, and seven strikeouts. For only the second time this season, he allowed two home runs in a game. The other time was in his second start in Colorado, so that barely counts. He was on a five-game winning streak before this, so he'll be fine.
The offense did a good job of hanging in there against a tough pitcher in Kennedy, as they scored a couple in the sixth to take the lead. The end of the game was disappointing. They had their 3-4-5 part of the order up in Ethier, Kemp, and Rivera. What happened? Strikeout, groundout, groundout. Not exactly putting pressure on the other team's closer.
Ethier showed you the best and worst of him in one game. He got the big RBI double to tie the game in the sixth. When he somehow, someway needed to get on base in the ninth to give Kemp a chance to drive him in, he strikes out on three pitches, with the last one being a breaking ball in the dirt. His average is good at .306, but I wouldn't exactly say he's Mr. Clutch anymore. Those days seem like a long time ago.
And by the way, can we finally end this ridiculous Eugenio Valez experiment? The guy is 0-for-19 with one walk. Enough already! He may be fast, but it's hard to be that way when you're never on base. Just demote him or designate him for assignment. He sucks!
Even with the loss, the Dodgers have played better ball lately in taking two of three from both the Padres and DBacks. Things won't get any easier on Monday, as they welcome the mighty Phillies in town for three. The good news is that they avoid Cole Hamels. The bad news is that they face Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee the first two games! Ouch! Hiroki Kuroda will look to match Halladay in the first one.
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