One day after Carlos Frias was unmercifully rocked 11-3 by the Padres (he only lasted four painful innings), it's safe to say Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers have ramped up their efforts to acquire starting pitching.
With that in mind, and based on the suggestions by the great writer Mark Saxon from ESPNLosAngeles.com, let's take a look at the seven starting pitchers he mentioned, with stats from this year and over their careers:
Scott Kazmir - Oakland
2015: 9 starts, 2-3, 3.09 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 53 K, 55 1/3 IP
Career: 249 starts (250 games), 93-82, 4.03 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 1372 K, 1425 2/3 IP
Jesse Chavez - Oakland
2015: 6 starts (10 games), 1-4, 2.89 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 41 K, 43 2/3 IP
Career: 29 starts (233 games), 18-27, 4.52 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 378 K, 424 1/3 IP
Kyle Lohse - Milwaukee
2015: 9 starts, 3-4, 5.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 42 K, 53 2/3 IP
Career: 403 starts (427 games), 145-132, 4.31 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 1546 K, 2423 2/3 IP
Matt Garza - Milwaukee
2015: 9 starts, 2-6, 5.71 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 38 K, 52 IP
Career: 227 starts (230 games), 77-81, 3.88 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 1165 K, 1397 2/3 IP
Johnny Cueto - Cincinnati
2015: 9 starts: 3-4, 3.03 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 60 K, 65 1/3 IP
Career: 203 starts, 88-61, 3.26 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 1055 K, 1273 2/3 IP
Mike Leake - Cincinnati
2015: 9 starts, 2-3, 4.14 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 30 K, 58 2/3 IP
Career: 151 starts (156 games), 55-45, 3.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 641 K, 950 1/3 IP
Yovani Gallardo - Texas
2015: 10 starts, 4-6, 4.13 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 40 K, 56 2/3 IP
Career: 221 starts (224 games), 93-70, 3.71 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 1266 K, 1346 IP
My Thoughts:
Obviously, Cueto will be the big chip every contender is gunning for. It doesn't matter if the Dodgers' starting staff puts together a long run of quality starts, there's no denying just how big of an impact Cueto can make if he comes into the fold. To be as dominant as he's been in the Reds' ballpark is even more impressive. He's actually pitched much better at home (1.55 ERA) than on the road (4.21 ERA) this year.
Getting Cueto will not be easy or cheap, so perhaps the Dodgers shy away from trading some of their prospects and go in a different direction. Of the names listed above, I'd lean more towards the American League guys than the National League ones.
Kazmir will also not come cheap, though I can't imagine his price will be as high as Cueto's. Perhaps the Dodgers will look to replace their original #3 lefty starter Hyun-Jin Ryu with another lefty. Kazmir's last couple of starts haven't been pretty, and his walks are starting to pile up, so that's something to keep an eye on.
I'd put Chavez and Gallardo on the next level, as either one of them can be pretty good. Gallardo is the more experienced one if that makes a difference. I'm just not sure the Rangers will be sellers because in the AL West, it's unlikely the Astros continue to play so well. The Rangers can quietly make their move, and with Yu Darvish done for the season, Gallardo is arguably their best starter.
Chavez has only been a consistent starter since last season, as he was mostly a reliever since breaking in with the Pirates in 2008. I only know him from being on one of my fantasy teams, but in looking at this numbers, he's only given up a couple of home runs and 13 walks in nearly 44 innings. So, he doesn't let many people on base, or to circle the bases. I can see him coming in and becoming a solid starter towards the back end of the rotation.
Showing posts with label Reds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reds. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Key games in the Dodgers' 2015 season
Spring Training is humming along without much news to report of. About the only exciting things to have happened were Will Farrell pitching a perfect 1/3 of an inning, and Aroldis Chapman throwing behind Justin Turner for God knows what reason. Other than that, not much going on.
So, let's get ourselves excited for when the games count for good. Here's a look at some key/big/fun games in the Dodgers' 2015 schedule.
Monday, April 6 vs. Padres - Home opener, and the return of Matt Kemp
Monday, April 13 vs. Mariners - First Interleague set
Tuesday, April 21 at Giants - First tilt against the defending World Series champs
Monday, May 11 at Marlins - First matchup with old friends Dee Gordon and Dan Haren
Friday, May 29 at Cardinals - First matchup with the team that knocked the Dodgers out of the playoffs... again
Monday, June 22 at Cubs - Four-game set again Jon Lester, Joe Maddon, and a suddenly relevant Cubs team
Friday, July 17 at Nationals - First game after the All-Star break against a preseason World Series contender
Friday, July 31 vs. Angels - Freeway Series begins
Thursday, August 13 vs. Reds - First time seeing Chapman since Spring Training...
Monday, September 14 vs. Rockies - Last big homestand of the season, a 10-game set with the Rockies, Pirates, and Diamondbacks
Sunday, October 4 vs. Padres - Final game of the regular season, coming full circle
There you have it. In examining the schedule, there are a heck of a lot of division games to start the season, and of course the last couple of weeks as well. Then they have this quirk: they start July by playing the DBacks, end August with the Giants, and have no other division games in between. That's right - there's virtually no games within the NL West for two straight months. That seems very unusual.
The Interleague games are with the AL West. The Freeway Series is always fun, and a bit more so this year with Howie Kendrick in Dodger blue. Who knows what the A's will look like, but they always find a way. The Mariners have two stars in Robinson Cano and King Felix. The Rangers were just dealt a huge blow by losing Yu Darvish for the season. And the Astros? Well, they do have young talent, so we'll see.
So, let's get ourselves excited for when the games count for good. Here's a look at some key/big/fun games in the Dodgers' 2015 schedule.
Monday, April 6 vs. Padres - Home opener, and the return of Matt Kemp
Monday, April 13 vs. Mariners - First Interleague set
Tuesday, April 21 at Giants - First tilt against the defending World Series champs
Monday, May 11 at Marlins - First matchup with old friends Dee Gordon and Dan Haren
Friday, May 29 at Cardinals - First matchup with the team that knocked the Dodgers out of the playoffs... again
Monday, June 22 at Cubs - Four-game set again Jon Lester, Joe Maddon, and a suddenly relevant Cubs team
Friday, July 17 at Nationals - First game after the All-Star break against a preseason World Series contender
Friday, July 31 vs. Angels - Freeway Series begins
Thursday, August 13 vs. Reds - First time seeing Chapman since Spring Training...
Monday, September 14 vs. Rockies - Last big homestand of the season, a 10-game set with the Rockies, Pirates, and Diamondbacks
Sunday, October 4 vs. Padres - Final game of the regular season, coming full circle
There you have it. In examining the schedule, there are a heck of a lot of division games to start the season, and of course the last couple of weeks as well. Then they have this quirk: they start July by playing the DBacks, end August with the Giants, and have no other division games in between. That's right - there's virtually no games within the NL West for two straight months. That seems very unusual.
The Interleague games are with the AL West. The Freeway Series is always fun, and a bit more so this year with Howie Kendrick in Dodger blue. Who knows what the A's will look like, but they always find a way. The Mariners have two stars in Robinson Cano and King Felix. The Rangers were just dealt a huge blow by losing Yu Darvish for the season. And the Astros? Well, they do have young talent, so we'll see.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Dodgers trade for Heisey, sign Barney
A couple of moves from the Dodgers in recent days.
The first is trading for outfielder Chris Heisey, who played for the Reds in 2013. On his way out will be Matt "Ball 4" Magill, who liked to pitch the ball anywhere except over the plate in his brief Dodgers' tenure.
The Heisey move raised some eyebrows at first, as it appears that the last thing the Dodgers need is yet another outfielder. But, it was then assumed that this move makes guys like Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, and possibly Matt Kemp even more likely to be traded. The Winter Meetings start this upcoming Monday in San Diego, so perhaps the trigger on a trade is finally pulled.
Heisey won't light the world on fire, as he hit .222 with eight homers and 22 RBIs last season, but he's there for his versatility in the outfield. He mostly appeared in left field in 2014, but played the other two positions many times as well. He'll give Don Mattingly some options for later in the game.
Magill won't be missed, as he's had his chances to prove his worth in the past, but flat out stunk. He spent all of last season in Triple-A, mostly because he had a 6.51 ERA in six starts with the Dodgers in 2013. Good bye, good riddance!
The other piece of news is the signing of Darwin Barney, who was brought over from the Cubs last season on July 28. He'll be in the mix off the bench, as it's hard to imagine he'll be a serious contender to take over Hanley Ramirez's spot at short. I would like to think the Dodgers can do much better than that.
Barney's deal is for one year and $2.525 million.
The first is trading for outfielder Chris Heisey, who played for the Reds in 2013. On his way out will be Matt "Ball 4" Magill, who liked to pitch the ball anywhere except over the plate in his brief Dodgers' tenure.
The Heisey move raised some eyebrows at first, as it appears that the last thing the Dodgers need is yet another outfielder. But, it was then assumed that this move makes guys like Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, and possibly Matt Kemp even more likely to be traded. The Winter Meetings start this upcoming Monday in San Diego, so perhaps the trigger on a trade is finally pulled.
Heisey won't light the world on fire, as he hit .222 with eight homers and 22 RBIs last season, but he's there for his versatility in the outfield. He mostly appeared in left field in 2014, but played the other two positions many times as well. He'll give Don Mattingly some options for later in the game.
Magill won't be missed, as he's had his chances to prove his worth in the past, but flat out stunk. He spent all of last season in Triple-A, mostly because he had a 6.51 ERA in six starts with the Dodgers in 2013. Good bye, good riddance!
The other piece of news is the signing of Darwin Barney, who was brought over from the Cubs last season on July 28. He'll be in the mix off the bench, as it's hard to imagine he'll be a serious contender to take over Hanley Ramirez's spot at short. I would like to think the Dodgers can do much better than that.
Barney's deal is for one year and $2.525 million.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Looking at possible NLDS opponents
The playoff teams in the National League are officially locked in, so in addition to my beloved Dodgers, congrats goes out to the Braves, Cardinals, Pirates, and Reds. It's safe to the NL Central is representing.
As of now, the Braves have a 1/2 game lead over the Cardinals for home field advantage, with the other three teams very close behind. So, with the exception of the NL East champion Braves, the Dodgers still could face any of the three teams from the Central.
And with that in mind, let's take a look at how the Dodgers fared against each of them this season.
Cardinals
Season Series: 4-3 Dodgers (7-0 Cardinals, 5-3 Dodgers, 5-3 Cardinals, 3-2 Dodgers, 5-1 Cardinals, 13-4 Dodgers, 5-1 Dodgers)
Thoughts: The 5-1 loss to the Cardinals was the game that snapped the 15-game road winning streak back in the beginning of August. And to think, that was a game started by Clayton Kershaw. No worries, as Ricky Nolasco and Hyun-Jin Ryu took care of business the next two days.
It's probably no surprise that the Dodgers dropped two of three in May, then won three of four in August. Like pretty much every other team they played, it all comes down to which half of the season it occurred. Back in May, Brandon League picked up the save in the 5-3 win. My how times have changed.
Pirates
Season Series: 4-2 Dodgers (3-0 Dodgers, 1-0 Dodgers, 6-2 Dodgers, 3-0 Pirates, 5-3 Dodgers, 6-3 Pirates)
Thoughts: All of these games took place before July, and after the Dodgers lost the last game, their record stood at 29-39. Considering how much of a mess they were at this time, it's actually pretty amazing they were even able to win four of six.
After sweeping the Pirates in their second home series of the season, it took until the 14th home series to get another one (late June against the Giants, which was when they began their incredible turnaround). In the big picture, both teams probably can't put much stock into these matchups because they're both so much better now. The Dodgers have gotten much healthier, and the Pirates made some big trades for Justin Morneau and Marlon Byrd.
Reds
Season Series: 4-3 Reds (5-2 Reds, 2-1 Dodgers, 4-1 Dodgers, 1-0 Dodgers, 3-2 Reds, 4-3 Reds, 3-2 Reds)
Thoughts: As opposed to the Pirates' series, this is a better reflection of how each team might currently fare against each other. All seven games took place from July 25 and on. Toss out the first game, and the home team won every game thereafter.
Only two of these games were decided by more than one run, so getting the last at-bat appears to be very important. Plus, each team has a dominant closer in Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman, so the margin of error is very slim. I doubt either team would run away with any game if they locked horns in a five or seven-game series.
As of now, the Braves have a 1/2 game lead over the Cardinals for home field advantage, with the other three teams very close behind. So, with the exception of the NL East champion Braves, the Dodgers still could face any of the three teams from the Central.
And with that in mind, let's take a look at how the Dodgers fared against each of them this season.
Cardinals
Season Series: 4-3 Dodgers (7-0 Cardinals, 5-3 Dodgers, 5-3 Cardinals, 3-2 Dodgers, 5-1 Cardinals, 13-4 Dodgers, 5-1 Dodgers)
Thoughts: The 5-1 loss to the Cardinals was the game that snapped the 15-game road winning streak back in the beginning of August. And to think, that was a game started by Clayton Kershaw. No worries, as Ricky Nolasco and Hyun-Jin Ryu took care of business the next two days.
It's probably no surprise that the Dodgers dropped two of three in May, then won three of four in August. Like pretty much every other team they played, it all comes down to which half of the season it occurred. Back in May, Brandon League picked up the save in the 5-3 win. My how times have changed.
Pirates
Season Series: 4-2 Dodgers (3-0 Dodgers, 1-0 Dodgers, 6-2 Dodgers, 3-0 Pirates, 5-3 Dodgers, 6-3 Pirates)
Thoughts: All of these games took place before July, and after the Dodgers lost the last game, their record stood at 29-39. Considering how much of a mess they were at this time, it's actually pretty amazing they were even able to win four of six.
After sweeping the Pirates in their second home series of the season, it took until the 14th home series to get another one (late June against the Giants, which was when they began their incredible turnaround). In the big picture, both teams probably can't put much stock into these matchups because they're both so much better now. The Dodgers have gotten much healthier, and the Pirates made some big trades for Justin Morneau and Marlon Byrd.
Reds
Season Series: 4-3 Reds (5-2 Reds, 2-1 Dodgers, 4-1 Dodgers, 1-0 Dodgers, 3-2 Reds, 4-3 Reds, 3-2 Reds)
Thoughts: As opposed to the Pirates' series, this is a better reflection of how each team might currently fare against each other. All seven games took place from July 25 and on. Toss out the first game, and the home team won every game thereafter.
Only two of these games were decided by more than one run, so getting the last at-bat appears to be very important. Plus, each team has a dominant closer in Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman, so the margin of error is very slim. I doubt either team would run away with any game if they locked horns in a five or seven-game series.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Reds again walk-off on the Dodgers
On a night where Clayton Kershaw battled tooth and nail to give the Dodgers seven innings and two runs, the offense again failed to get that big hit they so desperately needed.
The result? Another Reds' walk-off and a sweep.
This time it was an RBI double by Ryan Hanigan in the ninth that scored Zack Cozart from first, and the Reds took another close one, 3-2. The Dodgers won three of four in Dodger Stadium back in late July, so home field means a heck of a lot to these two teams.
Kershaw was coming off a couple of un-Kershaw-like performances, especially in his last game in Colorado on Labor Day in which he gave up five runs but still managed to get the win. Sure enough, his location was again an issue in the early going as he walked Shin-Soo Choo leading off. Choo was then picked off, and that was that. Foolish boy.
There's lots of amazing stats that accompany every Kershaw start, and one of them was not allowing a home run to a left-handed hitter this year. Well, that all changed thanks to Jay Bruce. In his first couple of at-bats, he absolutely crushed solo shots to right on pitches that found too much of the plate.
In between both of those homers was the first hit of the game by the Dodgers in the fourth. Homer Bailey was hitless and struck out six straight before Adrian Gonzalez's two-out single. Hanley Ramirez then gapped one to left center that scored Gonzo, as Ramirez was tagged out in a rundown.
With the Reds up 2-1, the Dodgers really blew a big opportunity in the sixth. Carl Crawford doubled with one out, and Yasiel Puig was hit on the foot. Gonzalez had a perfect 2-0 count to do some damage, but instead grounded into the 4-6-3 double play. Ouch.
Ramirez tied the game with a solo blast leading off the seventh, his 17th of the season. Then Don Mattingly made an interesting decision that I believe was the wrong one. Juan Uribe reached on an error and A.J. Ellis singled. With two outs, Mattingly allowed Kershaw to hit, rather than sending in someone like Michael Young for the RBI chance. Kershaw struck out, and the Dodgers wouldn't reach base the rest of the way.
Kershaw did get through the seventh to finish with four hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts, as his ERA went up just a tick to 1.92. Chris Withrow fanned two in the eighth in some solid work.
Ronald Belsario ended up taking his seventh loss, as after he retired Todd Frazier on a popup, Cozart singled and Hanigan's double ended things.
Back to the decision not to pinch-hit for Kershaw in the seventh. I can understand Mattingly wanting to reward his workhorse for all he's done. Plus, Kershaw does have 10 RBIs this season, tops for all pitchers. But, I really would've liked to have seen Young or even someone like Nick Punto hit in that spot. The Dodgers' offense obviously struggled to string together runs all weekend, and I thought that was a great chance to give them some momentum. Not a big deal, but not the right call in the long run either.
As I stated before, what really has stood out to me about these two teams was how much they need home field advantage against each other. Right now the Dodgers have a three-game advantage in the loss column, so if they do lock horns in October, it would start in LA. Since it's football season, it's just like saying the last team to get the ball will probably win. Whichever team gets to hit in the bottom of the ninth will get the edge.
It has to be somewhat disappointing that the Dodgers didn't win either of Zack Greinke's or Kershaw's starts. You'd like to think you can pencil in at least one win from them, and usually two. But, the Dodgers also lost by three runs combined in three games, so little things here and there made a big difference.
If the Diamondbacks have any thoughts at all of getting back into the NL West race, they have a great opportunity in front of them. They get to take on the bottom three of the Dodgers' rotation on the road, starting with Ricky Nolasco on Monday night.
The result? Another Reds' walk-off and a sweep.
This time it was an RBI double by Ryan Hanigan in the ninth that scored Zack Cozart from first, and the Reds took another close one, 3-2. The Dodgers won three of four in Dodger Stadium back in late July, so home field means a heck of a lot to these two teams.
Kershaw was coming off a couple of un-Kershaw-like performances, especially in his last game in Colorado on Labor Day in which he gave up five runs but still managed to get the win. Sure enough, his location was again an issue in the early going as he walked Shin-Soo Choo leading off. Choo was then picked off, and that was that. Foolish boy.
There's lots of amazing stats that accompany every Kershaw start, and one of them was not allowing a home run to a left-handed hitter this year. Well, that all changed thanks to Jay Bruce. In his first couple of at-bats, he absolutely crushed solo shots to right on pitches that found too much of the plate.
In between both of those homers was the first hit of the game by the Dodgers in the fourth. Homer Bailey was hitless and struck out six straight before Adrian Gonzalez's two-out single. Hanley Ramirez then gapped one to left center that scored Gonzo, as Ramirez was tagged out in a rundown.
With the Reds up 2-1, the Dodgers really blew a big opportunity in the sixth. Carl Crawford doubled with one out, and Yasiel Puig was hit on the foot. Gonzalez had a perfect 2-0 count to do some damage, but instead grounded into the 4-6-3 double play. Ouch.
Ramirez tied the game with a solo blast leading off the seventh, his 17th of the season. Then Don Mattingly made an interesting decision that I believe was the wrong one. Juan Uribe reached on an error and A.J. Ellis singled. With two outs, Mattingly allowed Kershaw to hit, rather than sending in someone like Michael Young for the RBI chance. Kershaw struck out, and the Dodgers wouldn't reach base the rest of the way.
Kershaw did get through the seventh to finish with four hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts, as his ERA went up just a tick to 1.92. Chris Withrow fanned two in the eighth in some solid work.
Ronald Belsario ended up taking his seventh loss, as after he retired Todd Frazier on a popup, Cozart singled and Hanigan's double ended things.
Back to the decision not to pinch-hit for Kershaw in the seventh. I can understand Mattingly wanting to reward his workhorse for all he's done. Plus, Kershaw does have 10 RBIs this season, tops for all pitchers. But, I really would've liked to have seen Young or even someone like Nick Punto hit in that spot. The Dodgers' offense obviously struggled to string together runs all weekend, and I thought that was a great chance to give them some momentum. Not a big deal, but not the right call in the long run either.
As I stated before, what really has stood out to me about these two teams was how much they need home field advantage against each other. Right now the Dodgers have a three-game advantage in the loss column, so if they do lock horns in October, it would start in LA. Since it's football season, it's just like saying the last team to get the ball will probably win. Whichever team gets to hit in the bottom of the ninth will get the edge.
It has to be somewhat disappointing that the Dodgers didn't win either of Zack Greinke's or Kershaw's starts. You'd like to think you can pencil in at least one win from them, and usually two. But, the Dodgers also lost by three runs combined in three games, so little things here and there made a big difference.
If the Diamondbacks have any thoughts at all of getting back into the NL West race, they have a great opportunity in front of them. They get to take on the bottom three of the Dodgers' rotation on the road, starting with Ricky Nolasco on Monday night.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
A rare 3-game skid as offense goes cold
The blueprint was the same as Friday night: score early to grab a lead, cling to that lead all game, then lose it at the end. And with that, the Dodgers have their first three-game losing streak since early June.
Yasiel Puig's two-run shot in the second gave the Dodgers a lead they would hold onto until late, but the Reds made all the big plays again in winning in 10 innings, 4-3. The win means a lot more to the Reds than the loss does to the Dodgers, as the home team is trying to win the NL Central, or at least get a home Wild Card game. The Dodgers still have an 11 game lead in the NL West.
The headline coming into this game was a pitcher's duel between Zack Greinke and Mat Latos, who each had 14 wins and ERAs under three. But, as is the case many other times, each had a bit of a rough time in the beginning.
The Dodgers got to Latos first, though they could've done much more damage, which hurt them in the long run. Puig was beaned with one out, then Adrian Gonzalez hit one of his four singles next. Hanley Ramirez, who hit a two-run homer the previous day, hit an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
The downside is that after Andre Ethier took a walk to load the bases with one out, the Dodgers failed to do anything with it. Michael Young grounded back to the mound for what should've been a double play, but Latos bobbled it and only got the out at home. Skip Schumaker flew out to right, and the bats wasted a big chance to at least get one more run in. It would cost them in the end.
Greinke had a solid day on the mound with his only blemish in the first. Cesar Izturis (yes, he still plays) singled with one out. Joey Votto followed with another, which led to two straight RBI singles from Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick to go up 2-1.
The Dodgers got the lead right back in the second, and this game sure had the makeup of an offensive battle. A.J. Ellis led off with a single, and Puig's homer with two outs gave them a 3-2 lead.
Both Greinke and Latos settled down from there, as even the small threats were quickly extinguished. The Dodgers really screwed up in the fourth by running into the last out. With Greinke on second and Carl Crawford on first, Gonzalez singled to right. Crawford must have though Greinke would try to score, but he held up at third, causing Crawford to be caught in a rundown between second and third. Greinke ended up getting tagged out, and it was another opportunity blown.
Greinke stepped up big in the fifth by striking out Bruce and Ludwick with the bases loaded to end the inning. After getting through the sixth in order, he retired for the night with a final line of eight hits, two runs, one walk, and nine strikeouts. Latos lasted seven innings and gave up three runs, striking out three.
Paco Rodriguez must not like pitching in Cincinnati for some reason, because one night after loading the bases without getting an out, he again ran into trouble in the seventh. Shin-Soo Choo singled with one out. Izturis, who I swear didn't know was even in the majors anymore, lined an RBI double to left to tie the game at three.
The offense for LA couldn't get much going in innings 8-10, and the Reds took advantage of that in the 10th. Brian Wilson made a huge mistake of walking Ludwick leading off, which meant it was time for Billy Hamilton. Well, the umpires may as well have called time and just told Hamilton to go to second, because he easily stole it anyway. Todd Frazier's walk-off single to right ended it, as even Puig's strong arm couldn't beat Usain Bolt... I mean Hamilton at home.
There's a couple of ways to look at this game from the Dodgers' perspective. On one hand, it's disappointing to drop a second straight game after getting an early lead. The offense lacked the proper punch as the game wore on, which is something I discussed in my previous post about missing Matt Kemp. The Reds have a very good pitching staff, but leaving nine men on, one day after only getting five hits, is a concern against any team.
The flip side is that even with the offensive lull, they still only lost by one run in both games on the road against a good team. A hit here, a play there, and it's a different story. During their incredible summer run, those were they plays they made night after night. It wasn't realistic to always be the team making those plays, so this is nothing to freak out about.
There's no other guy the Dodgers would rather see on the mound than Clayton Kershaw, as he's in the strange spot of trying to avoid a sweep. He goes up against Homer Bailey, who has another no-hitter this year and a very good 3.42 ERA, so expect another close game on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.
Yasiel Puig's two-run shot in the second gave the Dodgers a lead they would hold onto until late, but the Reds made all the big plays again in winning in 10 innings, 4-3. The win means a lot more to the Reds than the loss does to the Dodgers, as the home team is trying to win the NL Central, or at least get a home Wild Card game. The Dodgers still have an 11 game lead in the NL West.
The headline coming into this game was a pitcher's duel between Zack Greinke and Mat Latos, who each had 14 wins and ERAs under three. But, as is the case many other times, each had a bit of a rough time in the beginning.
The Dodgers got to Latos first, though they could've done much more damage, which hurt them in the long run. Puig was beaned with one out, then Adrian Gonzalez hit one of his four singles next. Hanley Ramirez, who hit a two-run homer the previous day, hit an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
The downside is that after Andre Ethier took a walk to load the bases with one out, the Dodgers failed to do anything with it. Michael Young grounded back to the mound for what should've been a double play, but Latos bobbled it and only got the out at home. Skip Schumaker flew out to right, and the bats wasted a big chance to at least get one more run in. It would cost them in the end.
Greinke had a solid day on the mound with his only blemish in the first. Cesar Izturis (yes, he still plays) singled with one out. Joey Votto followed with another, which led to two straight RBI singles from Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick to go up 2-1.
The Dodgers got the lead right back in the second, and this game sure had the makeup of an offensive battle. A.J. Ellis led off with a single, and Puig's homer with two outs gave them a 3-2 lead.
Both Greinke and Latos settled down from there, as even the small threats were quickly extinguished. The Dodgers really screwed up in the fourth by running into the last out. With Greinke on second and Carl Crawford on first, Gonzalez singled to right. Crawford must have though Greinke would try to score, but he held up at third, causing Crawford to be caught in a rundown between second and third. Greinke ended up getting tagged out, and it was another opportunity blown.
Greinke stepped up big in the fifth by striking out Bruce and Ludwick with the bases loaded to end the inning. After getting through the sixth in order, he retired for the night with a final line of eight hits, two runs, one walk, and nine strikeouts. Latos lasted seven innings and gave up three runs, striking out three.
Paco Rodriguez must not like pitching in Cincinnati for some reason, because one night after loading the bases without getting an out, he again ran into trouble in the seventh. Shin-Soo Choo singled with one out. Izturis, who I swear didn't know was even in the majors anymore, lined an RBI double to left to tie the game at three.
The offense for LA couldn't get much going in innings 8-10, and the Reds took advantage of that in the 10th. Brian Wilson made a huge mistake of walking Ludwick leading off, which meant it was time for Billy Hamilton. Well, the umpires may as well have called time and just told Hamilton to go to second, because he easily stole it anyway. Todd Frazier's walk-off single to right ended it, as even Puig's strong arm couldn't beat Usain Bolt... I mean Hamilton at home.
There's a couple of ways to look at this game from the Dodgers' perspective. On one hand, it's disappointing to drop a second straight game after getting an early lead. The offense lacked the proper punch as the game wore on, which is something I discussed in my previous post about missing Matt Kemp. The Reds have a very good pitching staff, but leaving nine men on, one day after only getting five hits, is a concern against any team.
The flip side is that even with the offensive lull, they still only lost by one run in both games on the road against a good team. A hit here, a play there, and it's a different story. During their incredible summer run, those were they plays they made night after night. It wasn't realistic to always be the team making those plays, so this is nothing to freak out about.
There's no other guy the Dodgers would rather see on the mound than Clayton Kershaw, as he's in the strange spot of trying to avoid a sweep. He goes up against Homer Bailey, who has another no-hitter this year and a very good 3.42 ERA, so expect another close game on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Latos silences red hot Dodgers
Please excuse the Dodgers if they appeared a bit lifeless at the plate on Thursday night. They played 10 innings in Toronto the night before, barely got the sleep they deserved, and cancelled BP before the game.
Oh ya, and that Mat Latos guy is pretty damn good.
Latos had his way, pitching strong into the eighth inning, and Carl Crawford lined out to left while representing the tying run to end the game, giving the Reds a 5-2 win. It's the first loss since the Sunday before the All-Star break, as the Dodgers ran off six straight on the road to start the second half.
The Reds took the lead in the early going thanks to a couple of Dodger castoffs from years past. The second batter of the game, Xavier Paul, took a fastball right over the middle out to right to make it 1-0.
The next inning, Todd Frazier lined a sharp double past a diving Jerry Hairston at third with one out. A groundout got him to third, and Cesar Izturis hit a bloop single to left to make it 2-0. Of all the ex-Dodgers that I thought would someday come back to haunt them, I'm doubting Paul and Izturis would be first on my mind.
The Dodgers got on the board in the fourth, all thanks to the speed of Yasiel Puig. He singled to center leading off and took a big turn at second. Apparently Shin-Soo Choo thought it would be a good idea to throw behind him... which resulted in the ball going into the stands, sending Puig all the way to third. Adrian Gonzalez's RBI groundout cut it to 2-1.
Heading into the sixth, the game was still a tossup when a couple mistakes by Greinke proved costly. Paul walked leading off, but was quickly erased on Joey Votto's double play ball. On an 0-2 count to Brandon Phillips, Greinke beaned him on the leg, which was obviously a bad mistake.
The other mistake was hanging a changeup to Jay Bruce, who crushed it to center for a two-run shot, putting the Reds up 4-1. And with Latos still dealing, it was a hard deficit to overcome.
In the sixth and seventh, the Dodgers put men on but couldn't capitalize. Puig singled to start the sixth, but Gonzo grounded into a double play. Two men reached in the seventh on a single by Skip Schumaker and walk to Jerry Hairston, but Nick Punto pinch-hit and struck out on three pitches.
The Dodgers did get one run back when Crawford doubled starting the eight, went to third on Puig's groundout, and scored on another RBI groundout from Gonzo. The Reds got it right back, however, on an RBI single from Choo against the horrible Carlos Marmol, who already looks like a complete waste. Boy is he bad.
Aroldis Chapman and his 100+ MPH fastball came in for the save, but made it a bit interesting. Mark Ellis pinch-hit with one out and singled to right. Hairston struck out, but Juan Uribe walked as Ellis took third on a wild pitch.
With the way the Dodgers have been providing the dramatics, you fully expected even a weary Crawford to come through. He had a great swing as he lined one into left, but the positioning by Chris Heisey was perfect as he gloved it for the final out.
Greinke has been practically untouchable his last three starts, but couldn't really get things going in this one. He lasted seven innings for six hits, four runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. He seemed to get to two strikes quite often, but couldn't punctuate it. Just one of those nights where he didn't feel at his best.
Of course, going 0-for-9 with RISP won't win you many games. Combine that with the night before (2-for-17!), and that's 2-for-26. Yikes! I guess winning one of those game is an accomplishment. Putting runners on is a good thing, if you're looking for a silver lining, but cashing them in is what plagued them for nearly three months to start the season. That was a flashback to those days.
Clayton Kershaw gets the ball on Friday night, as the Dodgers look to rebound after a rare loss. He'll oppose Homer Bailey, who threw a no-hitter against the Giants in early July and has a pretty good 3.84 ERA.
Oh ya, and that Mat Latos guy is pretty damn good.
Latos had his way, pitching strong into the eighth inning, and Carl Crawford lined out to left while representing the tying run to end the game, giving the Reds a 5-2 win. It's the first loss since the Sunday before the All-Star break, as the Dodgers ran off six straight on the road to start the second half.
The Reds took the lead in the early going thanks to a couple of Dodger castoffs from years past. The second batter of the game, Xavier Paul, took a fastball right over the middle out to right to make it 1-0.
The next inning, Todd Frazier lined a sharp double past a diving Jerry Hairston at third with one out. A groundout got him to third, and Cesar Izturis hit a bloop single to left to make it 2-0. Of all the ex-Dodgers that I thought would someday come back to haunt them, I'm doubting Paul and Izturis would be first on my mind.
The Dodgers got on the board in the fourth, all thanks to the speed of Yasiel Puig. He singled to center leading off and took a big turn at second. Apparently Shin-Soo Choo thought it would be a good idea to throw behind him... which resulted in the ball going into the stands, sending Puig all the way to third. Adrian Gonzalez's RBI groundout cut it to 2-1.
Heading into the sixth, the game was still a tossup when a couple mistakes by Greinke proved costly. Paul walked leading off, but was quickly erased on Joey Votto's double play ball. On an 0-2 count to Brandon Phillips, Greinke beaned him on the leg, which was obviously a bad mistake.
The other mistake was hanging a changeup to Jay Bruce, who crushed it to center for a two-run shot, putting the Reds up 4-1. And with Latos still dealing, it was a hard deficit to overcome.
In the sixth and seventh, the Dodgers put men on but couldn't capitalize. Puig singled to start the sixth, but Gonzo grounded into a double play. Two men reached in the seventh on a single by Skip Schumaker and walk to Jerry Hairston, but Nick Punto pinch-hit and struck out on three pitches.
The Dodgers did get one run back when Crawford doubled starting the eight, went to third on Puig's groundout, and scored on another RBI groundout from Gonzo. The Reds got it right back, however, on an RBI single from Choo against the horrible Carlos Marmol, who already looks like a complete waste. Boy is he bad.
Aroldis Chapman and his 100+ MPH fastball came in for the save, but made it a bit interesting. Mark Ellis pinch-hit with one out and singled to right. Hairston struck out, but Juan Uribe walked as Ellis took third on a wild pitch.
With the way the Dodgers have been providing the dramatics, you fully expected even a weary Crawford to come through. He had a great swing as he lined one into left, but the positioning by Chris Heisey was perfect as he gloved it for the final out.
Greinke has been practically untouchable his last three starts, but couldn't really get things going in this one. He lasted seven innings for six hits, four runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. He seemed to get to two strikes quite often, but couldn't punctuate it. Just one of those nights where he didn't feel at his best.
Of course, going 0-for-9 with RISP won't win you many games. Combine that with the night before (2-for-17!), and that's 2-for-26. Yikes! I guess winning one of those game is an accomplishment. Putting runners on is a good thing, if you're looking for a silver lining, but cashing them in is what plagued them for nearly three months to start the season. That was a flashback to those days.
Clayton Kershaw gets the ball on Friday night, as the Dodgers look to rebound after a rare loss. He'll oppose Homer Bailey, who threw a no-hitter against the Giants in early July and has a pretty good 3.84 ERA.
Monday, September 24, 2012
The playoff flame still slightly flickers
Adrian Gonzalez could not have possibly made a bigger splash in his Dodgers' debut on August 25, slugging a three-run homer in his first at-bat.
His 115 plate appearances since then? Exactly zero balls sent over the wall.
On Sunday night, however, Gonzo turned back the clock to late August by hitting two solo homers, helping the Dodgers get the win over the Reds, 5-3. With nine games left in the season, the Dodgers remain three games in back of the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot.
The major story coming into this one was the start by Clayton Kershaw, who not too long ago looked to be lost for the season, and possibly into the next one, with a hip injury. We can all be thankful that the early diagnosis looks to have been too harsh, as Kershaw took the ball and went five strong, giving up only one run.
The Reds did make him sweat, though. In the first, they loaded the bases. Chris Heisey led off by getting beaned in the forearm, Joey Votto walked an out later, and Miguel Cairo singled with two outs. Denis Phipps hit a long fly to center, but Matt Kemp was easily able to glove it to end the inning.
The second is when Gonzalez finally broke through with a solo homer to right leading off. Any home run for the Dodgers is big, as Andre Ethier and Kemp are tied for the lead with 19. Seriously, that's it. Gonzalez loves to hit against Homer Bailey, as he's now 8-for-15 with five homers in his career against him. Talk about having someone's number!
In the third, the Reds got their lone run against Kershaw. Wilson Valdez started things with a walk, and Votto followed with his second straight base on balls as well. Todd Frazier took a low breaking ball near the dirt to center for an RBI single, and it was 1-1. Kershaw was able to get Cairo to ground into a double play, and Phipps struck out.
As Bailey was settled in against a lifeless Dodgers' offense (a phrase I have cut and pasted for the last few weeks now), the Reds again blew a golden chance with the bases juiced in the fourth. Daniel Stubbs led off with a single, but was picked off by Kershaw at first. Ryan Hanigan grounded out before Bailey hit what looked like an innocent two-out single.
That single turned into a big scoring chance as Heisey also singled and Valdez walked. The Reds rested some of their big guns like Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, so Votto was the perfect guy for them in this spot. Kershaw manned up, though, and got him swinging for the final out.
Kershaw lasted through the fifth before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth, much to his dismay. Just who exactly hit for him? You guessed it (or not), Juan Uribe. It was his first at-bat since Game 5 of the 2010 World Series with the Giants. OK, just kidding, that's wishful thinking on my part. In his first swing since August 26, he hit a single! Holy crap! Nearly one whole month of being on the roster, yet never getting a chance to hit. Too bad for him, he was stranded at first.
The Dodgers put up a four spot in the seventh, which seemed like a long time coming. It started with another solo bomb from Gonzo, this time to left center, to make it 2-1. Hanley Ramirez gritted out a single moments after fouling one off his left ankle. Dee Gordon came in for him, and he scampered to third on Luis Cruz's single.
After Elian Herrera struck out, A.J. Ellis laid down a bunt to Bailey. For some reason, Bailey never really looked Gordon back, and on the putout to first, Gordon flew home to score easily and make it 3-1. That's the different dimension to the game that Gordon can so excel at. Bobby Abreu pinch-hit and took a walk, bringing in Jose Arredondo. Mark Ellis greeted him with an RBI double, and Ethier with an infield RBI single, putting the Dodgers up 5-1.
Kenley Jansen struck out the side in the seventh, handing the ball over to Ronald Belisario in the eighth. Cairo reached right away on an error by Gordon, which unfortunately is one of those "dimensions" that he also does so well at. Sure enough, Phipps launched a two-run shot to make it 5-3.
Brandon League was given another chance for save, and with two outs, Gordon's throw to first was wide to Gonzalez, but he made a great tag on Frazier just before he got to first to cap off the night. It was League's fifth save.
Before Gonzalez made the night about him, it was all about Kershaw and his surprise start. He certainly didn't have his best stuff, walking five to tie a season high. But he also struck out five to put himself back in the NL lead at 211. His one run surrendered lowered his ERA to 2.68 as well. It was just awesome to watch him step up and get big outs when he needed them. The guys is a true warrior and a pleasure to watch.
I think this was the kind of night we all envisioned Gonzalez having when he was acquired from Boston. It's not like we expected two homers each game, but I certainly think we thought he'd give more than 3 homers and 11 extra-base hits in 27 games. It was nice to watch him make an impact with the long ball again.
There's really not a whole lot the Dodgers can do other than win every, or very, VERY close to every, game the rest of the way. They've got three coming up in San Diego, followed by three each at home against the Rockies and Giants. The Cardinals have the Astros, Nationals, and Reds. The Brewers are only three back as well, and they've got the Reds, Astros, and Padres.
No matter which teams play which, no matter how good, bad or ugly the opponents are, and no matter if it's home or away, the Dodgers just need to win. That's it. Win and then pray for some help. Don't win, and none of this matters. They've dug their own grave, so let's see if they can claw their way out.
Monday is an off day before traveling to play the Padres in the final road trip of the year. Josh Beckett has a 3.45 ERA in five starts with LA, and his team will need another big start from him.
His 115 plate appearances since then? Exactly zero balls sent over the wall.
On Sunday night, however, Gonzo turned back the clock to late August by hitting two solo homers, helping the Dodgers get the win over the Reds, 5-3. With nine games left in the season, the Dodgers remain three games in back of the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot.
The major story coming into this one was the start by Clayton Kershaw, who not too long ago looked to be lost for the season, and possibly into the next one, with a hip injury. We can all be thankful that the early diagnosis looks to have been too harsh, as Kershaw took the ball and went five strong, giving up only one run.
The Reds did make him sweat, though. In the first, they loaded the bases. Chris Heisey led off by getting beaned in the forearm, Joey Votto walked an out later, and Miguel Cairo singled with two outs. Denis Phipps hit a long fly to center, but Matt Kemp was easily able to glove it to end the inning.
The second is when Gonzalez finally broke through with a solo homer to right leading off. Any home run for the Dodgers is big, as Andre Ethier and Kemp are tied for the lead with 19. Seriously, that's it. Gonzalez loves to hit against Homer Bailey, as he's now 8-for-15 with five homers in his career against him. Talk about having someone's number!
In the third, the Reds got their lone run against Kershaw. Wilson Valdez started things with a walk, and Votto followed with his second straight base on balls as well. Todd Frazier took a low breaking ball near the dirt to center for an RBI single, and it was 1-1. Kershaw was able to get Cairo to ground into a double play, and Phipps struck out.
As Bailey was settled in against a lifeless Dodgers' offense (a phrase I have cut and pasted for the last few weeks now), the Reds again blew a golden chance with the bases juiced in the fourth. Daniel Stubbs led off with a single, but was picked off by Kershaw at first. Ryan Hanigan grounded out before Bailey hit what looked like an innocent two-out single.
That single turned into a big scoring chance as Heisey also singled and Valdez walked. The Reds rested some of their big guns like Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, so Votto was the perfect guy for them in this spot. Kershaw manned up, though, and got him swinging for the final out.
Kershaw lasted through the fifth before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth, much to his dismay. Just who exactly hit for him? You guessed it (or not), Juan Uribe. It was his first at-bat since Game 5 of the 2010 World Series with the Giants. OK, just kidding, that's wishful thinking on my part. In his first swing since August 26, he hit a single! Holy crap! Nearly one whole month of being on the roster, yet never getting a chance to hit. Too bad for him, he was stranded at first.
The Dodgers put up a four spot in the seventh, which seemed like a long time coming. It started with another solo bomb from Gonzo, this time to left center, to make it 2-1. Hanley Ramirez gritted out a single moments after fouling one off his left ankle. Dee Gordon came in for him, and he scampered to third on Luis Cruz's single.
After Elian Herrera struck out, A.J. Ellis laid down a bunt to Bailey. For some reason, Bailey never really looked Gordon back, and on the putout to first, Gordon flew home to score easily and make it 3-1. That's the different dimension to the game that Gordon can so excel at. Bobby Abreu pinch-hit and took a walk, bringing in Jose Arredondo. Mark Ellis greeted him with an RBI double, and Ethier with an infield RBI single, putting the Dodgers up 5-1.
Kenley Jansen struck out the side in the seventh, handing the ball over to Ronald Belisario in the eighth. Cairo reached right away on an error by Gordon, which unfortunately is one of those "dimensions" that he also does so well at. Sure enough, Phipps launched a two-run shot to make it 5-3.
Brandon League was given another chance for save, and with two outs, Gordon's throw to first was wide to Gonzalez, but he made a great tag on Frazier just before he got to first to cap off the night. It was League's fifth save.
Before Gonzalez made the night about him, it was all about Kershaw and his surprise start. He certainly didn't have his best stuff, walking five to tie a season high. But he also struck out five to put himself back in the NL lead at 211. His one run surrendered lowered his ERA to 2.68 as well. It was just awesome to watch him step up and get big outs when he needed them. The guys is a true warrior and a pleasure to watch.
I think this was the kind of night we all envisioned Gonzalez having when he was acquired from Boston. It's not like we expected two homers each game, but I certainly think we thought he'd give more than 3 homers and 11 extra-base hits in 27 games. It was nice to watch him make an impact with the long ball again.
There's really not a whole lot the Dodgers can do other than win every, or very, VERY close to every, game the rest of the way. They've got three coming up in San Diego, followed by three each at home against the Rockies and Giants. The Cardinals have the Astros, Nationals, and Reds. The Brewers are only three back as well, and they've got the Reds, Astros, and Padres.
No matter which teams play which, no matter how good, bad or ugly the opponents are, and no matter if it's home or away, the Dodgers just need to win. That's it. Win and then pray for some help. Don't win, and none of this matters. They've dug their own grave, so let's see if they can claw their way out.
Monday is an off day before traveling to play the Padres in the final road trip of the year. Josh Beckett has a 3.45 ERA in five starts with LA, and his team will need another big start from him.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
With backs against the wall, Kemp comes through
Matt Kemp has certainly experienced a tale of two seasons this year. From the best player in baseball to start the season (by far), to an injury-plagued, frustrating end of the season, he's been through it all.
Friday night reminded everyone that even at less than 100%, he can still deliver the big hit.
With the bases loaded, two outs, and an 0-2 count, Kemp lined an inside fastball to right for a two-run single, giving the Dodgers an advantage they would not relinquish, winning 3-1 in 10 innings. The Reds came into this one needing a win to clinch the NL Central, but they'll have to wait a little bit longer.
A ninth inning comeback by the Cubs in Wrigley led to a win in extras for them over the Cardinals, so the Dodgers are back to two down for the final Wild Card spot.
There obviously wasn't much scoring in this game, not that news like that should surprise any of you considering the Dodgers have a personal vendetta against scoring runs in September. Both of the big guns for each team, Kemp and Joey Votto, singled in the first, but nothing came of it.
The Dodgers did crack the scoreboard in the second. Hanley Ramirez legged out an infield single leading off, with a little help from a bobble at short by Zack Cozart. He then stole second and took third on Luis Cruz's single. Juan Rivera got the start for an ailing Shane Victorino (sore wrist), and his RBI groundout made it 1-0.
Both Joe Blanton and Bronson Arroyo turned back the clock a bit, as they gave the hitters pretty much nothing to work with. In the fifth, however, the Reds finally broke through. With two outs, Xavier Paul (remember him?) hit a ground rule double. Ryan Hanigan was given the intentional pass to pitch to Arroyo. And wouldn't you know it, Arroyo came up with an RBI single to tie the game at one.
Each team had chances to score in the sixth, and each blew it. For the Dodgers, Kemp and Adrian Gonzalez singled with two outs, but Ramirez could only muster a pop up in foul territory at first.
The Reds again made some noise with two outs. Scott Rolen kept the inning alive with a single, which also brought the hook for Blanton. Randy Choate came in to pitch to Jay Bruce, but after Rolen stole second, Bruce was put on intentionally. Scott Tolleson entered, walked Drew Stubbs to load the bases, but got a called third strike to set down Paul for the last out.
That was really the last threat in paid baseball, as Ronald Belisario struck out five of the six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth. The Dodgers also saw the return of Jonathan Broxton, who also went 1-2-3 in the ninth. I'm surprised the Dodgers didn't try and sign Matt Stairs for this series, just to see Broxton sneak out of the stadium and disappear until Monday.
In the 10th, the Dodgers came within a hair of blowing a golden opportunity to score, but mercifully got that one big hit they needed. Seth LeClure started the inning by beaning Elian Herrera. A.J. Ellis then grounded one to Bruce at first, who tried to force Herrera at second, but came up empty because of a low throw. Nick Punto sacrificed both them into scoring position before Mark Ellis walked to load the bases.
So here the Dodgers were with the bases loaded and one out. Sean Marshall was summoned to pitch to Andre Ethier hitting in the #2 spot. It worked, as Ethier struck out and failed to at least push one run home. Marshall stayed on to pitch to Kemp and got two quick strikes, but Kemp collected his third hit of the night with a two-run single, making it 3-1.
Brandon League is still the closer right now as Kenley Jansen slowly makes his way back, and he recorded his fourth save when another old friend, Dioner Navarro, grounded to Gonzalez at first to end the game.
The Dodgers are only 8-10 in the month of September, and it's a good thing they actually won three straight to start. In fact, six of their wins have been a single run, and Friday night's game by two. About the only game you can call a "comfortable" win was back on September 15 when they beat the Cardinals 8-5. But even in that, they game was 5-5 until Cruz hit a three-run homer in the sixth. The bottom line is that it's been one grind after another.
It's an old saying, but the Dodgers sure will take any win they can get. Blowout or nail biter, it doesn't matter. They just have to find a way as they battle through an offense that looks lost most nights and a starting rotation that is permanently without Ted Lilly and Chad Billingsley, and with Clayton Kershaw on the mend. Things sure haven't been easy.
Blanton deserves a whole lot of credit for this win. I wasn't exactly feeling confident when I saw he was starting, especially considering he was sporting a 4.97 ERA coming into it. But much to his credit, he looked very good by going 5 2/3 innings for four hits, one run, one walk, and six strikeouts. I think a veteran start like this is exactly what the Dodgers had in mind when they traded for him. He's someone who shouldn't be afraid of the moment. On Friday night, he pitched like it.
Once again, let's give big props to the bullpen for their flawless work. Choate didn't exactly do much, but Tolleson, Jansen, Belisario, and League pitched the final 4 1/2 without giving up a hit and striking out eight. The Reds bullpen has widely been regarded as the best in baseball, and rightfully so, but the Dodgers can be just as good when everyone's healthy. They sure were in this game.
Every time the Dodgers get a win, the question is then asked if it will propel them to a bunch more. Well, that hasn't happened yet, as a win is usually followed up by a dud. We all know there's no time for slumps anymore if they want to play in that one-game Wild Card playoff. If they lay an egg this weekend, their margin for error becomes super slim.
Young Stephen Fife will get another start as the Dodgers await word on Kershaw's status for Sunday. It won't be easy for him, as he goes up against Matt Latos and his 12-4 record.
Friday night reminded everyone that even at less than 100%, he can still deliver the big hit.
With the bases loaded, two outs, and an 0-2 count, Kemp lined an inside fastball to right for a two-run single, giving the Dodgers an advantage they would not relinquish, winning 3-1 in 10 innings. The Reds came into this one needing a win to clinch the NL Central, but they'll have to wait a little bit longer.
A ninth inning comeback by the Cubs in Wrigley led to a win in extras for them over the Cardinals, so the Dodgers are back to two down for the final Wild Card spot.
There obviously wasn't much scoring in this game, not that news like that should surprise any of you considering the Dodgers have a personal vendetta against scoring runs in September. Both of the big guns for each team, Kemp and Joey Votto, singled in the first, but nothing came of it.
The Dodgers did crack the scoreboard in the second. Hanley Ramirez legged out an infield single leading off, with a little help from a bobble at short by Zack Cozart. He then stole second and took third on Luis Cruz's single. Juan Rivera got the start for an ailing Shane Victorino (sore wrist), and his RBI groundout made it 1-0.
Both Joe Blanton and Bronson Arroyo turned back the clock a bit, as they gave the hitters pretty much nothing to work with. In the fifth, however, the Reds finally broke through. With two outs, Xavier Paul (remember him?) hit a ground rule double. Ryan Hanigan was given the intentional pass to pitch to Arroyo. And wouldn't you know it, Arroyo came up with an RBI single to tie the game at one.
Each team had chances to score in the sixth, and each blew it. For the Dodgers, Kemp and Adrian Gonzalez singled with two outs, but Ramirez could only muster a pop up in foul territory at first.
The Reds again made some noise with two outs. Scott Rolen kept the inning alive with a single, which also brought the hook for Blanton. Randy Choate came in to pitch to Jay Bruce, but after Rolen stole second, Bruce was put on intentionally. Scott Tolleson entered, walked Drew Stubbs to load the bases, but got a called third strike to set down Paul for the last out.
That was really the last threat in paid baseball, as Ronald Belisario struck out five of the six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth. The Dodgers also saw the return of Jonathan Broxton, who also went 1-2-3 in the ninth. I'm surprised the Dodgers didn't try and sign Matt Stairs for this series, just to see Broxton sneak out of the stadium and disappear until Monday.
In the 10th, the Dodgers came within a hair of blowing a golden opportunity to score, but mercifully got that one big hit they needed. Seth LeClure started the inning by beaning Elian Herrera. A.J. Ellis then grounded one to Bruce at first, who tried to force Herrera at second, but came up empty because of a low throw. Nick Punto sacrificed both them into scoring position before Mark Ellis walked to load the bases.
So here the Dodgers were with the bases loaded and one out. Sean Marshall was summoned to pitch to Andre Ethier hitting in the #2 spot. It worked, as Ethier struck out and failed to at least push one run home. Marshall stayed on to pitch to Kemp and got two quick strikes, but Kemp collected his third hit of the night with a two-run single, making it 3-1.
Brandon League is still the closer right now as Kenley Jansen slowly makes his way back, and he recorded his fourth save when another old friend, Dioner Navarro, grounded to Gonzalez at first to end the game.
The Dodgers are only 8-10 in the month of September, and it's a good thing they actually won three straight to start. In fact, six of their wins have been a single run, and Friday night's game by two. About the only game you can call a "comfortable" win was back on September 15 when they beat the Cardinals 8-5. But even in that, they game was 5-5 until Cruz hit a three-run homer in the sixth. The bottom line is that it's been one grind after another.
It's an old saying, but the Dodgers sure will take any win they can get. Blowout or nail biter, it doesn't matter. They just have to find a way as they battle through an offense that looks lost most nights and a starting rotation that is permanently without Ted Lilly and Chad Billingsley, and with Clayton Kershaw on the mend. Things sure haven't been easy.
Blanton deserves a whole lot of credit for this win. I wasn't exactly feeling confident when I saw he was starting, especially considering he was sporting a 4.97 ERA coming into it. But much to his credit, he looked very good by going 5 2/3 innings for four hits, one run, one walk, and six strikeouts. I think a veteran start like this is exactly what the Dodgers had in mind when they traded for him. He's someone who shouldn't be afraid of the moment. On Friday night, he pitched like it.
Once again, let's give big props to the bullpen for their flawless work. Choate didn't exactly do much, but Tolleson, Jansen, Belisario, and League pitched the final 4 1/2 without giving up a hit and striking out eight. The Reds bullpen has widely been regarded as the best in baseball, and rightfully so, but the Dodgers can be just as good when everyone's healthy. They sure were in this game.
Every time the Dodgers get a win, the question is then asked if it will propel them to a bunch more. Well, that hasn't happened yet, as a win is usually followed up by a dud. We all know there's no time for slumps anymore if they want to play in that one-game Wild Card playoff. If they lay an egg this weekend, their margin for error becomes super slim.
Young Stephen Fife will get another start as the Dodgers await word on Kershaw's status for Sunday. It won't be easy for him, as he goes up against Matt Latos and his 12-4 record.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Dodgers back in 1st, Nash to the Lakers... it was a good 4th
As if the Fourth of July holiday wasn't good enough, right before first pitch of the Dodgers' game, news broke that Steve Nash is going to be traded to the Lakers. To quote Daniel Bryan, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Then the game started, and thanks to a quick 3-0 lead, the Dodgers cruised to a victory over the Reds, 4-1. After searching for anything positive whatsoever for the better part of two weeks, the Dodgers took two of three in this series. Plus, they own first place once again since the Giants lost to the Nationals.
The "fireworks" got started in the first. Dee Gordon ripped one into right that nearly left the park, but was plenty good for a leadoff double. With the infield in anticipating a bunt, Luis Cruz bounced one into right for an RBI single, and it was 1-0.
Abreu kept things going with a single to put runners on the corners. James Loney's RBI single into right made it 2-0, and the Reds were reeling. Adam Kennedy then hit a grounder to first to get the forceout at second, but the return throw by Zack Cozart was wide, allowing Abreu to score to make it 3-0.
That's all Harang would need, as he was dealing. The only blemish he had was in the fifth. With one out, Devin Mesoraco crushed a solo shot into right to make it 3-1.
One more run was tacked on in the eighth. It started with Gordon again, as he walked and stole second. Cruz then took a walk, and Gordon swiped third in the process. Unfortunately, he also dislocated his right thumb on the play and had to come out. The returning Mark Ellis pinch-ran for him and was caught in a rundown at home for the first out. After Loney was intentionally walked to load the bases, Kennedy's sac-fly RBI to center made it 4-1.
No surprise here, but Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen teamed up to close out the final two innings. Belisario was just plain nasty as he struck out the side. Jansen got a couple K's himself for this 14th save. They were as close to untouchable as you could possibly be.
While the start of the game was big, there's no question that the power pitching was the true story of the night. It all started with Harang, who shut down his former team for seven innings, three hits, one run, one walk, and five strikeouts. The win gets him to 6-5 with a 3.51 ERA. For a guy who was signed to anchor the end of the rotation, he's been huge for the Dodgers.
The offense only had six hits, but they did a bunch of little things that led them to a win, much like the previous night against Johnny Cueto. The two stolen bases by Gordon in the eighth led to a run. Kennedy's sac-fly brought that run in. In the first, Gordon getting on base to start was big, as was the three straight singles that came right after.
Andre Ethier has joined Matt Kemp on the DL, but both men appear to be back soon after the All-Star break, if not right after. So, the Dodgers once again have to find ways to win with quirky lineups. That might be even tougher now with Gordon's thumb injury. It's hard to guess how long he'll be out, but it's also hard to see him avoiding the DL for this. At least it's not broken. We'll soon find out some sort of length.
The final series before the break is a four-game tilt in Arizona. The Dodgers have struggled recently, but the Diamondbacks haven't gotten going at all this season. Remember how all the "experts" said the Diamondbacks would run away with the NL West? Well, that hasn't quite happened, as they're currently six games back and three games under .500. Nathan Eovaldi will once again look for win #1 against the DBacks' All-Star, Wade Miley.
Then the game started, and thanks to a quick 3-0 lead, the Dodgers cruised to a victory over the Reds, 4-1. After searching for anything positive whatsoever for the better part of two weeks, the Dodgers took two of three in this series. Plus, they own first place once again since the Giants lost to the Nationals.
The "fireworks" got started in the first. Dee Gordon ripped one into right that nearly left the park, but was plenty good for a leadoff double. With the infield in anticipating a bunt, Luis Cruz bounced one into right for an RBI single, and it was 1-0.
Abreu kept things going with a single to put runners on the corners. James Loney's RBI single into right made it 2-0, and the Reds were reeling. Adam Kennedy then hit a grounder to first to get the forceout at second, but the return throw by Zack Cozart was wide, allowing Abreu to score to make it 3-0.
That's all Harang would need, as he was dealing. The only blemish he had was in the fifth. With one out, Devin Mesoraco crushed a solo shot into right to make it 3-1.
One more run was tacked on in the eighth. It started with Gordon again, as he walked and stole second. Cruz then took a walk, and Gordon swiped third in the process. Unfortunately, he also dislocated his right thumb on the play and had to come out. The returning Mark Ellis pinch-ran for him and was caught in a rundown at home for the first out. After Loney was intentionally walked to load the bases, Kennedy's sac-fly RBI to center made it 4-1.
No surprise here, but Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen teamed up to close out the final two innings. Belisario was just plain nasty as he struck out the side. Jansen got a couple K's himself for this 14th save. They were as close to untouchable as you could possibly be.
While the start of the game was big, there's no question that the power pitching was the true story of the night. It all started with Harang, who shut down his former team for seven innings, three hits, one run, one walk, and five strikeouts. The win gets him to 6-5 with a 3.51 ERA. For a guy who was signed to anchor the end of the rotation, he's been huge for the Dodgers.
The offense only had six hits, but they did a bunch of little things that led them to a win, much like the previous night against Johnny Cueto. The two stolen bases by Gordon in the eighth led to a run. Kennedy's sac-fly brought that run in. In the first, Gordon getting on base to start was big, as was the three straight singles that came right after.
Andre Ethier has joined Matt Kemp on the DL, but both men appear to be back soon after the All-Star break, if not right after. So, the Dodgers once again have to find ways to win with quirky lineups. That might be even tougher now with Gordon's thumb injury. It's hard to guess how long he'll be out, but it's also hard to see him avoiding the DL for this. At least it's not broken. We'll soon find out some sort of length.
The final series before the break is a four-game tilt in Arizona. The Dodgers have struggled recently, but the Diamondbacks haven't gotten going at all this season. Remember how all the "experts" said the Diamondbacks would run away with the NL West? Well, that hasn't quite happened, as they're currently six games back and three games under .500. Nathan Eovaldi will once again look for win #1 against the DBacks' All-Star, Wade Miley.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Finally some excitement returns to Dodger Stadium
It's been awhile, but with the way the Dodgers have flopped the last couple of weeks, they'll take any sort of thrills they can get.
Luis Cruz not only doubled home the go-ahead run, but stole home right after to lead the Dodgers over the Reds, 3-1. The optimistic side of me will point out that they've won two of the last three, and are now a half game back of the Giants in the NL West, thanks to another horrendous start by Tim Lincecum.
There's still plenty of talk about All-Star snubs, and two of the leading candidates took the mound in Chris Capuano and Johnny Cueto. Caps has taken his lack of invite in stride, not making an issue of it. Cueto, however, got in a nice lick to Tony LaRussa by claiming that maybe LaRussa's mad that he took took out one his girlfriends.
Somehow I don't see Capuano saying something similar.
But back to the game, and both pitchers threw up blanks through four. The Reds had a couple chances to score, but stranded two in the first and left the bases juiced in the fourth.
It was Cueto who started the Reds' rally in the fifth as his single led off the inning. Capuano got Zack Cozart (who returned a day after getting beaned in the head by Chad Billingsley) and Daniel Stubbs to fly out. But, the tough combination of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips got a run in. Votto singled to keep the inning alive, and Phillips smacked an RBI double to the wall to make it 1-0.
I'm sure plenty of people (myself included) most likely thought this game was already over. When your favorite team is sporting a lineup that features nobody hitting over .280, nobody with more than six home runs, and is facing a guy with nine wins and an ERA in the 2.30's, it's hard to convince yourself something positive was about to happen.
We can all be grateful that something big did happen. In the sixth, the slumping (and that's an understatement) Elian Herrera pinch-hit for Capuano and singled leading off. Dee Gordon got him over to second on a sacrifice, but A.J. Ellis struck out. Cueto did the Dodgers a favor with a balk, sending Herrera to third. On a full count, Bobby Abreu singled up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
Dodger Stadium came alive in the seventh, when the boys in blue took the lead for good. James Loney of all people started things with a one-out single. Cruz hasn't been in the majors for long, but he laced an RBI double to left center, as a hustling Loney was just able to beat the tag at home.
With Tony Gwynn up, Don Mattingly wasted no time in calling for the suicide squeeze attempt. Cueto knew something was up as he started his delivery, as he tried to get the ball up for the easy tag. Unfortunately for him, it was way too high and sailed all the way to the backstop, easily allowing Cruz to score and go up 3-1. Technically it was scored as a stolen base, so that's pretty cool for Cruz.
Ronald Belisario got the hold in the eighth, as his filthy stuff caused the Reds to weakly groundout three straight times. Kenley Jansen got his 13th save of the season as Cozart popped up in foul territory to Ellis to end the game.
While it wasn't exactly an outpouring of offense, it was still great to see the Dodgers get to Cueto in the seventh. Coming into this game, they've lost 12 of the last 14, and the offense has largely been to blame. It wasn't much, but getting just enough runs to come across was all the pitching needed on this night.
And speaking of pitching, Capuano had yet another great start. He went six innings for six hits, one run, three walks, and six strikeouts. The Reds were able to put runners on against him, but could only get the one big hit, which was Phillips's double in the fifth. It was a no-decision for Caps, so his record remains at 9-3 to go along with a 2.62 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
The work of Josh Lindblom, Scott Elbert, Belisario, and Jansen was outstanding. Lindblom started the seventh and got two outs, and Elbert ended up getting the win by getting Votto to fly to left for the final out. Belisario and Jansen are as nasty a combination at the end of a game as you're going to see. Total it all up, and the 'pen pitched three scoreless innings, giving up only a hit and a walk.
If the Dodgers and their patchwork lineup can somehow get a win on the Fourth of July, then that would be an unlikely series victory over a top team in the NL Central. It'll be up to Aaron Harang, as he looks for his sixth win against Mike Leake.
Luis Cruz not only doubled home the go-ahead run, but stole home right after to lead the Dodgers over the Reds, 3-1. The optimistic side of me will point out that they've won two of the last three, and are now a half game back of the Giants in the NL West, thanks to another horrendous start by Tim Lincecum.
There's still plenty of talk about All-Star snubs, and two of the leading candidates took the mound in Chris Capuano and Johnny Cueto. Caps has taken his lack of invite in stride, not making an issue of it. Cueto, however, got in a nice lick to Tony LaRussa by claiming that maybe LaRussa's mad that he took took out one his girlfriends.
Somehow I don't see Capuano saying something similar.
But back to the game, and both pitchers threw up blanks through four. The Reds had a couple chances to score, but stranded two in the first and left the bases juiced in the fourth.
It was Cueto who started the Reds' rally in the fifth as his single led off the inning. Capuano got Zack Cozart (who returned a day after getting beaned in the head by Chad Billingsley) and Daniel Stubbs to fly out. But, the tough combination of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips got a run in. Votto singled to keep the inning alive, and Phillips smacked an RBI double to the wall to make it 1-0.
I'm sure plenty of people (myself included) most likely thought this game was already over. When your favorite team is sporting a lineup that features nobody hitting over .280, nobody with more than six home runs, and is facing a guy with nine wins and an ERA in the 2.30's, it's hard to convince yourself something positive was about to happen.
We can all be grateful that something big did happen. In the sixth, the slumping (and that's an understatement) Elian Herrera pinch-hit for Capuano and singled leading off. Dee Gordon got him over to second on a sacrifice, but A.J. Ellis struck out. Cueto did the Dodgers a favor with a balk, sending Herrera to third. On a full count, Bobby Abreu singled up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
Dodger Stadium came alive in the seventh, when the boys in blue took the lead for good. James Loney of all people started things with a one-out single. Cruz hasn't been in the majors for long, but he laced an RBI double to left center, as a hustling Loney was just able to beat the tag at home.
With Tony Gwynn up, Don Mattingly wasted no time in calling for the suicide squeeze attempt. Cueto knew something was up as he started his delivery, as he tried to get the ball up for the easy tag. Unfortunately for him, it was way too high and sailed all the way to the backstop, easily allowing Cruz to score and go up 3-1. Technically it was scored as a stolen base, so that's pretty cool for Cruz.
Ronald Belisario got the hold in the eighth, as his filthy stuff caused the Reds to weakly groundout three straight times. Kenley Jansen got his 13th save of the season as Cozart popped up in foul territory to Ellis to end the game.
While it wasn't exactly an outpouring of offense, it was still great to see the Dodgers get to Cueto in the seventh. Coming into this game, they've lost 12 of the last 14, and the offense has largely been to blame. It wasn't much, but getting just enough runs to come across was all the pitching needed on this night.
And speaking of pitching, Capuano had yet another great start. He went six innings for six hits, one run, three walks, and six strikeouts. The Reds were able to put runners on against him, but could only get the one big hit, which was Phillips's double in the fifth. It was a no-decision for Caps, so his record remains at 9-3 to go along with a 2.62 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
The work of Josh Lindblom, Scott Elbert, Belisario, and Jansen was outstanding. Lindblom started the seventh and got two outs, and Elbert ended up getting the win by getting Votto to fly to left for the final out. Belisario and Jansen are as nasty a combination at the end of a game as you're going to see. Total it all up, and the 'pen pitched three scoreless innings, giving up only a hit and a walk.
If the Dodgers and their patchwork lineup can somehow get a win on the Fourth of July, then that would be an unlikely series victory over a top team in the NL Central. It'll be up to Aaron Harang, as he looks for his sixth win against Mike Leake.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Vintage Billingsley as Reds roll past Dodgers
Chad Billingsley was so Chad Billingsley-like on Monday, it was scary.
For five innings, it was smooth sailing, as Billingsley was spotted a 2-0 lead. Then the sixth inning came, and like countless other times in the past, he hit a wall. The result was a 3-2 deficit, which the Reds eventually ran with to get the win, 8-2.
The game started off promising enough. With two outs in the first, Jerry Hairston, Jr. hit a solo home run to left, his third of the season. The fact that he's hitting in the #3 spot pretty much sums up just how short-handed and desperate Don Mattingly is. No disrespect to Hairston, who's played very well this season, but it's not like he's a typical hitter for that spot.
Another run was added in the second. It started on a single by James Loney. Yes, those words just appeared on your computer screen. Juan Uribe followed with a walk. At this point, I'd like you to try not to fall out of your seat. Both Loney and Uribe reached base consecutively. To quote Dan Dierdorf, "Lord, you can take me now, I've seen it all!"
Anyway, Scott Van Slyke singled to center for what should have been a bases loaded situation for Luis Cruz. But ah, don't fret, it wasn't meant to be. Uribe thought Loney was going to keep running home, when in fact, Loney stayed put at third. Uribe was easily thrown out at second for the first out. Typical.
Cruz was called up to start at short for Dee Gordon, who left Sunday night's game with leg cramps. His sac-fly RBI scored Loney, and it was 2-0.
Billingsley was cruising at this point, as the Reds had four hits through four innings, but nothing to show for it. The first sign of unraveling came in the fifth. With two outs, Zack Cozart stepped up and was beaned in the head. Thankfully he was able to get up, but was still taken out of the game for precautionary reasons. And thankfully again, he's OK. As for Billingsley, he got the next out to keep the lead.
We all should've known that it was only a matter of time before the wheels fell off the bus. And sure enough, they did.
Brandon Phillips led off the sixth with a double, and All-Star Jay Bruce singled for runners in scoring position. Todd Frazier's RBI single made it 2-1. After a groundout, Miguel Cairo also grounded one to third in which Uribe threw home to get Bruce for two down.
Maybe that was the momentum Billingsley needed... but then again, if you thought that, then you don't know Mr. Chad Billingsley! Some guy named Devin Mesoraco stroked a two-run double, and the Reds were now up 3-2.
The game may as well have ended at this point, as the Dodgers flat out stunk after that. It was still only a 3-2 game entering the eighth, but Todd Coffey made sure the fans went home early... which they normally do anyway, but without the drama of wondering whether the Dodgers would win or not.
Bruce was beaned leading off and went to second on a wild pitch. Frazier's RBI triple made it 4-2. Chad Heisey and Cairo both struck out, so there was some hope. And then that hope got flushed down the toilet when Mesoraco singled into left, putting the Reds up 5-2. Jamey Wright had to come in to get Homer Bailey to ground out to end the inning.
Just for fun, the Reds made this game a blowout in the ninth. With Wright still in, Wilson Valdez walked to start. Daniel Stubbs laid down a bunt, and Wright threw it clean into centerfield on a horrible play. Runs were soon scored on Frazier's single, Heisey's fielder's choice, and Cairo's single.
I guess this was a tale of two games, as the Dodgers controlled the first part, but the Reds dominated the second. I know Billingsley wasn't exactly given many runs to work with, but he once again showed why he'll never be a reliable starting pitcher. He lasted six innings for eight hits, three runs, no walks, and eight strikeouts. Not bad numbers, but still not good enough for the win. Even without Joey Votto and Scott Rolen in the lineup, he just isn't capable of stepping up.
Even worse was the work of the bullpen. Josh Lindblom was solid, getting through the seventh to keep it a one-run game. But Coffey and Wright clearly showed why they're the bottom of the pecking order in the 'pen. In two innings of work, they gave up five runs. For Wright, his three runs were unearned, but it was because of his throwing error. So basically, they were earned.
The offense is still on life support, as they weren't even able to hit Bailey. Much like Billingsley, Bailey is one of those guys who always seems like he should be doing better. On Monday night, he gave up two runs in eight innings, striking out seven. Leave it to the Dodgers to put it all together for him.
At this point, the Dodgers are desperately trying to get through this week until the All-Star break hits. Then they can at least count on the return of Matt Kemp, and most likely Mark Ellis and Andre Ethier as well. That means they won't have to rely on guys like Loney and Uribe to score runs. That would be like Christmas morning!
Chris Capuano will look for his 10th win on Tuesday. To do it, he'll probably have to give up -5 runs. And even then it might be close. The Reds counter with Johnny Cueto. Good luck scoring against him.
For five innings, it was smooth sailing, as Billingsley was spotted a 2-0 lead. Then the sixth inning came, and like countless other times in the past, he hit a wall. The result was a 3-2 deficit, which the Reds eventually ran with to get the win, 8-2.
The game started off promising enough. With two outs in the first, Jerry Hairston, Jr. hit a solo home run to left, his third of the season. The fact that he's hitting in the #3 spot pretty much sums up just how short-handed and desperate Don Mattingly is. No disrespect to Hairston, who's played very well this season, but it's not like he's a typical hitter for that spot.
Another run was added in the second. It started on a single by James Loney. Yes, those words just appeared on your computer screen. Juan Uribe followed with a walk. At this point, I'd like you to try not to fall out of your seat. Both Loney and Uribe reached base consecutively. To quote Dan Dierdorf, "Lord, you can take me now, I've seen it all!"
Anyway, Scott Van Slyke singled to center for what should have been a bases loaded situation for Luis Cruz. But ah, don't fret, it wasn't meant to be. Uribe thought Loney was going to keep running home, when in fact, Loney stayed put at third. Uribe was easily thrown out at second for the first out. Typical.
Cruz was called up to start at short for Dee Gordon, who left Sunday night's game with leg cramps. His sac-fly RBI scored Loney, and it was 2-0.
Billingsley was cruising at this point, as the Reds had four hits through four innings, but nothing to show for it. The first sign of unraveling came in the fifth. With two outs, Zack Cozart stepped up and was beaned in the head. Thankfully he was able to get up, but was still taken out of the game for precautionary reasons. And thankfully again, he's OK. As for Billingsley, he got the next out to keep the lead.
We all should've known that it was only a matter of time before the wheels fell off the bus. And sure enough, they did.
Brandon Phillips led off the sixth with a double, and All-Star Jay Bruce singled for runners in scoring position. Todd Frazier's RBI single made it 2-1. After a groundout, Miguel Cairo also grounded one to third in which Uribe threw home to get Bruce for two down.
Maybe that was the momentum Billingsley needed... but then again, if you thought that, then you don't know Mr. Chad Billingsley! Some guy named Devin Mesoraco stroked a two-run double, and the Reds were now up 3-2.
The game may as well have ended at this point, as the Dodgers flat out stunk after that. It was still only a 3-2 game entering the eighth, but Todd Coffey made sure the fans went home early... which they normally do anyway, but without the drama of wondering whether the Dodgers would win or not.
Bruce was beaned leading off and went to second on a wild pitch. Frazier's RBI triple made it 4-2. Chad Heisey and Cairo both struck out, so there was some hope. And then that hope got flushed down the toilet when Mesoraco singled into left, putting the Reds up 5-2. Jamey Wright had to come in to get Homer Bailey to ground out to end the inning.
Just for fun, the Reds made this game a blowout in the ninth. With Wright still in, Wilson Valdez walked to start. Daniel Stubbs laid down a bunt, and Wright threw it clean into centerfield on a horrible play. Runs were soon scored on Frazier's single, Heisey's fielder's choice, and Cairo's single.
I guess this was a tale of two games, as the Dodgers controlled the first part, but the Reds dominated the second. I know Billingsley wasn't exactly given many runs to work with, but he once again showed why he'll never be a reliable starting pitcher. He lasted six innings for eight hits, three runs, no walks, and eight strikeouts. Not bad numbers, but still not good enough for the win. Even without Joey Votto and Scott Rolen in the lineup, he just isn't capable of stepping up.
Even worse was the work of the bullpen. Josh Lindblom was solid, getting through the seventh to keep it a one-run game. But Coffey and Wright clearly showed why they're the bottom of the pecking order in the 'pen. In two innings of work, they gave up five runs. For Wright, his three runs were unearned, but it was because of his throwing error. So basically, they were earned.
The offense is still on life support, as they weren't even able to hit Bailey. Much like Billingsley, Bailey is one of those guys who always seems like he should be doing better. On Monday night, he gave up two runs in eight innings, striking out seven. Leave it to the Dodgers to put it all together for him.
At this point, the Dodgers are desperately trying to get through this week until the All-Star break hits. Then they can at least count on the return of Matt Kemp, and most likely Mark Ellis and Andre Ethier as well. That means they won't have to rely on guys like Loney and Uribe to score runs. That would be like Christmas morning!
Chris Capuano will look for his 10th win on Tuesday. To do it, he'll probably have to give up -5 runs. And even then it might be close. The Reds counter with Johnny Cueto. Good luck scoring against him.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Reds win the bullpen battle
Tie game, eighth inning, bullpens at work. Who would get the edge?
Not the Dodgers. Not with this bullpen.
The Reds scored a couple of late runs to edge the Dodgers, 3-2. After a 5-5 road trip that included some tough stops, the Dodgers have dropped the first two games of a 12-game homestand. Not exactly the best way to create momentum.
The Dodgers were given a gift run in the first. Dee Gordon got another shot at leadoff, and he singled. Jamey Carroll then took a walk. Andre Ethier hit a grounder that forced Carroll at second, but his hard slide into Brandon Phillips caused a bad throw to first, as Gordon came home for the 1-0 lead.
Clayton Kershaw got through the first three frames with ease thanks to a double play in the second. Daniel Stubbs led off the fourth with a single and stole second an out later. With two outs, Jay Bruce walked to prolong the inning. Scott Rolen then tied the game with an RBI single, but Tony Gwynn nailed Bruce at home to keep the score at 1-1.
That's the way the score would remain until late in the game. Gorden used his speed to try and give the Dodgers a lead in the sixth, but it was all for naught. He reached on a bunt single and took second on Johnny Cueto's error. He soon stole third with two outs, but Ethier struck out to end the inning.
With the score tied at 1, Don Mattingly turned the ball over to Blake Hawksworth starting in the eighth. Hawkworth proceeded to allow singles to Miguel Cairo and Phillips with one out. Needing a lefty to face Joey Votto, Scott Elbert was summoned, and promptly gave up an RBI single to him. Mike MacDougal came on to get the final out of the inning to keep it at 2-1.
MacDougal stayed on to pitch the ninth, and once again the 'pen could not keep the score as is. Ramon Hernandez walked with one down. An out later, Fred Lewis singled to keep the inning going. MacDougal couldn't get out of the inning as Daniel Stubbs hit an RBI single to make it 3-1.
Francisco Cordero came on for the save, and Ethier flew out to deep right leading off. Kemp then walked and stole second. James Loney cut the deficit to one with an RBI single, and the Dodgers were in good shape to tie the game. But, Casey Blake struck out and Rod Barajas popped up to end the game.
In a way, the results the last couple of nights aren't too surprising. The Dodgers just aren't a consistent enough team to build on some positive momentum from this past weekend. It seems like the second they show signs of life, they go right back to where they started. Now at 31-38, they are going to have to turn it on to even get to .500.
Kershaw bounced back from a couple of disappointing outings in which he started off well and then fell apart. In this one he lasted seven innings for four hits, one run, two walks, and four strikeouts. He took a no-decision, his third straight one, so his record remains at 6-3.
The offense collected only seven hits, which isn't too surprising considering they are very streaky and were facing a great pitcher in Cueto, who's putting it all together this year with a 4-2 record an 1.68 ERA. Gordon was the only one to make any noise, collecting two hits with a run and stolen base. That's a very positive sign for the future.
So, once again, the Dodgers had to trust their bullpen to come through, and it didn't happen. Hawkworth has now given up a run in two straight appearances, raising his ERA from 2.57 to 3.27. Elbert is the only lefty option with Hong-Chih Kuo out, and his ERA is 5.19. MacDougal has pitched well all year, and even he gave up a run. Nothing could go right.
The Dodgers will try to avoid a sweep with a Wednesday afternoon tilt. They then get an off day Thursday before welcoming the Astros in town for three. Hopefully Chad Billingsley can get this team back on the winning side.
Not the Dodgers. Not with this bullpen.
The Reds scored a couple of late runs to edge the Dodgers, 3-2. After a 5-5 road trip that included some tough stops, the Dodgers have dropped the first two games of a 12-game homestand. Not exactly the best way to create momentum.
The Dodgers were given a gift run in the first. Dee Gordon got another shot at leadoff, and he singled. Jamey Carroll then took a walk. Andre Ethier hit a grounder that forced Carroll at second, but his hard slide into Brandon Phillips caused a bad throw to first, as Gordon came home for the 1-0 lead.
Clayton Kershaw got through the first three frames with ease thanks to a double play in the second. Daniel Stubbs led off the fourth with a single and stole second an out later. With two outs, Jay Bruce walked to prolong the inning. Scott Rolen then tied the game with an RBI single, but Tony Gwynn nailed Bruce at home to keep the score at 1-1.
That's the way the score would remain until late in the game. Gorden used his speed to try and give the Dodgers a lead in the sixth, but it was all for naught. He reached on a bunt single and took second on Johnny Cueto's error. He soon stole third with two outs, but Ethier struck out to end the inning.
With the score tied at 1, Don Mattingly turned the ball over to Blake Hawksworth starting in the eighth. Hawkworth proceeded to allow singles to Miguel Cairo and Phillips with one out. Needing a lefty to face Joey Votto, Scott Elbert was summoned, and promptly gave up an RBI single to him. Mike MacDougal came on to get the final out of the inning to keep it at 2-1.
MacDougal stayed on to pitch the ninth, and once again the 'pen could not keep the score as is. Ramon Hernandez walked with one down. An out later, Fred Lewis singled to keep the inning going. MacDougal couldn't get out of the inning as Daniel Stubbs hit an RBI single to make it 3-1.
Francisco Cordero came on for the save, and Ethier flew out to deep right leading off. Kemp then walked and stole second. James Loney cut the deficit to one with an RBI single, and the Dodgers were in good shape to tie the game. But, Casey Blake struck out and Rod Barajas popped up to end the game.
In a way, the results the last couple of nights aren't too surprising. The Dodgers just aren't a consistent enough team to build on some positive momentum from this past weekend. It seems like the second they show signs of life, they go right back to where they started. Now at 31-38, they are going to have to turn it on to even get to .500.
Kershaw bounced back from a couple of disappointing outings in which he started off well and then fell apart. In this one he lasted seven innings for four hits, one run, two walks, and four strikeouts. He took a no-decision, his third straight one, so his record remains at 6-3.
The offense collected only seven hits, which isn't too surprising considering they are very streaky and were facing a great pitcher in Cueto, who's putting it all together this year with a 4-2 record an 1.68 ERA. Gordon was the only one to make any noise, collecting two hits with a run and stolen base. That's a very positive sign for the future.
So, once again, the Dodgers had to trust their bullpen to come through, and it didn't happen. Hawkworth has now given up a run in two straight appearances, raising his ERA from 2.57 to 3.27. Elbert is the only lefty option with Hong-Chih Kuo out, and his ERA is 5.19. MacDougal has pitched well all year, and even he gave up a run. Nothing could go right.
The Dodgers will try to avoid a sweep with a Wednesday afternoon tilt. They then get an off day Thursday before welcoming the Astros in town for three. Hopefully Chad Billingsley can get this team back on the winning side.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Billingsley bulks up
Chad Billingsley got the win on Sunday, despite not having the greatest of pitching performances. What made the difference was his damage done with the bat.
Billingsley hit a a solo homer, took a bases loaded walk, and stroked an RBI double as part of his 2-for-2, 3 RBI day as he led the Dodgers past the Reds, 9-6. The win was a big one for the Dodgers, as they took two of three on the road against a reigning playoff team. Not too shabby.
The Dodgers pushed 11 runs across the board on Saturday, and fought back from a 7-3, eighth inning deficit to stun the Reds. They picked up right where they left off in the first, as Jamey Carroll walked and Aaron Miles doubled. Andre Ethier scored one with a sac-fly RBI, and it was 1-0. Matt Kemp was a monster yesterday with two homers, and he picked up another one with a three-run shot for the early 4-0 lead.
With the big cushion already, Billingsley gave up a solo home run to Daniel Stubbs, the Reds' leadoff hitter. He did wiggle out of trouble later in the inning after getting Miguel Cairo grounding out with two on.
The top of the second saw Billingsley uncork his second career longball, and first since 2009. In his last two games, he's gone 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBIs, two runs, and a walk. Maybe he should hit in the #5 hole behind Ethier and Kemp!
The Reds would fight back to draw within one in the bottom of the frame. Paul Janish and starting pitcher Travis Wood singled with one out. Stubbs then walked to load the bases. Brandon Phillips has turned himself into one of the best hitting second basemen in baseball, and he continued to show why with a two-run single, making it 4-3.
Not wasting any time, the Dodgers got more runs in the third. With one out, Ethier doubled. The Reds had already seen enough of Kemp, so he was given the intentional pass to pitch to Casey Blake. Blake responded with a single to load the bases. Jerry Sands struck out, but big Rod Barajas smacked a two-run double, and it was 6-3. Following an intentional walk to James Loney, Billingsley collected his second RBI by taking a walk to make it 7-3.
Both teams would trade single runs soon thereafter. In the fourth, Joey Votto's RBI groundout cut the lead to 7-4. Who would respond for the Dodgers? Why it was Billingsley, of course! Loney took a two-out walk, and came around to score on Billingsley's RBI double, pushing the lead back up to 8-4.
The sixth inning saw both teams trade runs again. Sands got an RBI on a single to score Ethier. Votto again gathered an RBI with a single off of new pitcher John Ely.
Ely would stay on to pitch the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. He started the ninth to go for the unusual save, but was lifted one batter in with a walk to Ryan Hanigan. In came young Josh Lindblom, who made his first big league appearance a few days before. It didn't start off so well, as he walked Cairo and plunked Ramon Hernandez to load the bases.
Following a visit to the mound by pitching coach Rick Honeycut, Lindblom relaxed, as he got Janish to pop up, Chris Heisey to fly out to right (scoring a run), and Stubbs swinging to end the game. It was a big moment for him, as he really had to man up with the Reds building some momentum.
20 runs in the last two games is especially impressive considering they scored only one on Friday. It seems as if the Dodgers either hit the crap out of the ball or don't show up. Once again, it was the big two of Ethier and Kemp leading the way. They combined to go 4-for-7 with a homer, a double, four runs, three RBIs, and four walks. Also impressive was that they did not strike out. Ethier has the slight edge in average with a .325 compared to Kemp's .323. I'll take them both.
Carroll had another good day leading off, reaching base three times. Miles reached twice, and Barajas made his one hit count with the two-run double. Overall, the Dodgers had 13 hits and took 10 walks. That's some great stuff.
It's good to be able to say that Billingsley has two straight wins without having his best stuff. In this one he went five innings for eight hits, four runs, three walks, and three strikeouts. Ely was making his first appearance since April 10 (his only appearance of the season thus far), and he really did a nice job in giving the Dodgers some good innings out of the 'pen. Lindblom bent, but he did not break to finish out the non-save situation.
The Dodgers should feel very happy about the way they showed plenty of grit in taking both weekend games. The Reds' pitching really isn't that great, but the Dodgers still went to work and pounded the ball. 20 runs on 28 hits in two games is awesome no matter whom it's against.
The scary part is that the Dodgers now have to go into Philadelphia and take on baseball's best starting rotation. The good news is that they avoid Roy Halladay. The bad news is that they instead get Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, three #1's on any team but their own. If the Dodgers get one win, they should probably take it and feel good. Two wins is like a bonus. That's how good those guys are.
Someone has to try and take down the great Lee, and it will be Ted Lilly, who's given up only six runs in his last three starts, covering 20 innings. The three-game set begins on Monday before scooting off to Colorado for four.
Billingsley hit a a solo homer, took a bases loaded walk, and stroked an RBI double as part of his 2-for-2, 3 RBI day as he led the Dodgers past the Reds, 9-6. The win was a big one for the Dodgers, as they took two of three on the road against a reigning playoff team. Not too shabby.
The Dodgers pushed 11 runs across the board on Saturday, and fought back from a 7-3, eighth inning deficit to stun the Reds. They picked up right where they left off in the first, as Jamey Carroll walked and Aaron Miles doubled. Andre Ethier scored one with a sac-fly RBI, and it was 1-0. Matt Kemp was a monster yesterday with two homers, and he picked up another one with a three-run shot for the early 4-0 lead.
With the big cushion already, Billingsley gave up a solo home run to Daniel Stubbs, the Reds' leadoff hitter. He did wiggle out of trouble later in the inning after getting Miguel Cairo grounding out with two on.
The top of the second saw Billingsley uncork his second career longball, and first since 2009. In his last two games, he's gone 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBIs, two runs, and a walk. Maybe he should hit in the #5 hole behind Ethier and Kemp!
The Reds would fight back to draw within one in the bottom of the frame. Paul Janish and starting pitcher Travis Wood singled with one out. Stubbs then walked to load the bases. Brandon Phillips has turned himself into one of the best hitting second basemen in baseball, and he continued to show why with a two-run single, making it 4-3.
Not wasting any time, the Dodgers got more runs in the third. With one out, Ethier doubled. The Reds had already seen enough of Kemp, so he was given the intentional pass to pitch to Casey Blake. Blake responded with a single to load the bases. Jerry Sands struck out, but big Rod Barajas smacked a two-run double, and it was 6-3. Following an intentional walk to James Loney, Billingsley collected his second RBI by taking a walk to make it 7-3.
Both teams would trade single runs soon thereafter. In the fourth, Joey Votto's RBI groundout cut the lead to 7-4. Who would respond for the Dodgers? Why it was Billingsley, of course! Loney took a two-out walk, and came around to score on Billingsley's RBI double, pushing the lead back up to 8-4.
The sixth inning saw both teams trade runs again. Sands got an RBI on a single to score Ethier. Votto again gathered an RBI with a single off of new pitcher John Ely.
Ely would stay on to pitch the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. He started the ninth to go for the unusual save, but was lifted one batter in with a walk to Ryan Hanigan. In came young Josh Lindblom, who made his first big league appearance a few days before. It didn't start off so well, as he walked Cairo and plunked Ramon Hernandez to load the bases.
Following a visit to the mound by pitching coach Rick Honeycut, Lindblom relaxed, as he got Janish to pop up, Chris Heisey to fly out to right (scoring a run), and Stubbs swinging to end the game. It was a big moment for him, as he really had to man up with the Reds building some momentum.
20 runs in the last two games is especially impressive considering they scored only one on Friday. It seems as if the Dodgers either hit the crap out of the ball or don't show up. Once again, it was the big two of Ethier and Kemp leading the way. They combined to go 4-for-7 with a homer, a double, four runs, three RBIs, and four walks. Also impressive was that they did not strike out. Ethier has the slight edge in average with a .325 compared to Kemp's .323. I'll take them both.
Carroll had another good day leading off, reaching base three times. Miles reached twice, and Barajas made his one hit count with the two-run double. Overall, the Dodgers had 13 hits and took 10 walks. That's some great stuff.
It's good to be able to say that Billingsley has two straight wins without having his best stuff. In this one he went five innings for eight hits, four runs, three walks, and three strikeouts. Ely was making his first appearance since April 10 (his only appearance of the season thus far), and he really did a nice job in giving the Dodgers some good innings out of the 'pen. Lindblom bent, but he did not break to finish out the non-save situation.
The Dodgers should feel very happy about the way they showed plenty of grit in taking both weekend games. The Reds' pitching really isn't that great, but the Dodgers still went to work and pounded the ball. 20 runs on 28 hits in two games is awesome no matter whom it's against.
The scary part is that the Dodgers now have to go into Philadelphia and take on baseball's best starting rotation. The good news is that they avoid Roy Halladay. The bad news is that they instead get Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, three #1's on any team but their own. If the Dodgers get one win, they should probably take it and feel good. Two wins is like a bonus. That's how good those guys are.
Someone has to try and take down the great Lee, and it will be Ted Lilly, who's given up only six runs in his last three starts, covering 20 innings. The three-game set begins on Monday before scooting off to Colorado for four.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Kemp's granny leads wild comeback
Normally when a team is down 7-2 with two innings to go, the chances of winning are very slim. When that team losing is the Dodgers, it's hard to seriously think they would be capable of turning it around for a win.
Well, the darnedest thing happened on Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati: not only did the Dodgers erase a five-run deficit in one inning, they scored four runs in the 11th inning to win a crazy one over the Reds, 11-8.
To say the game featured a roller coaster of emotions for both teams would be a giant understatement. Clayton Kershaw was matched up with Johnny Cueto, so it figured to be a low-scoring game. Of course, when seeing that the final score reflected 19 runs, it goes to show that anything is possible in this sport.
The Dodgers were the first to strike. In the third, Dioner Navarro singled leading off, and went to second on a sacrifice by Kershaw. Jamey Carroll then hit an infield single to put two on. Aaron Miles's sac-fly RBI gave them an early lead at 1-0.
Kershaw was absolutely phenomenal through five innings. He got through the Reds' lineup in order the first time around, and his first hit was in the fourth on a single by Joey Votto, who was soon thrown out stealing. He then struck out the side in the fifth, and it was looking very much like a tight one, similar to Friday night's 2-1 win for the Reds.
Then the sixth came, and it all came apart. Trying to battle through 100 degree heat, Kershaw gave up a leadoff single to Ramon Hernandez. After going to second on a sacrifice by Cueto, Daniel Stubbs took a two-out walk. That would be costly, as Brandon Phillips hit an RBI single to make it 1-1. The big blow then came on a three-run shot by Votto, as the Reds were now up 4-1.
Kemp would play a huge role in this game, and it started with a solo homer to lead off the seventh. Now only down two, Kershaw couldn't get through the bottom of the inning, as Jay Bruce singled to lead off, but was soon erased at home on a single by Paul Janish.
Once again the Dodgers could not close an inning out with two down. Mike MacDougal relieved Kershaw, but he quickly surrendered a two-run single to Chris Heisey, making it 6-2. An RBI double by Stubbs gave the Reds a commanding 7-2 lead.
It's safe to say that not many people were expecting the Dodgers to catch fire and win at this point. About the only way it was possible was for one of their two big guns in Andre Ethier and Kemp to do something huge. Luckily for them, one of them did.
It all started with Nick Masset on in relief and Tony Gwynn singling with one out. Carroll followed with another one, part of his 4-for-5 day with one walk in the leadoff spot now that Rafael Furcal is on the DL again. Miles then hit an RBI single as Carroll advanced to third on an error by Stubbs in the outfield.
Bill Bray was brought in to get Ethier, but instead Ethier walked to load the bases for Kemp. Logan Ondrusek came on with the sole job of keeping Kemp in the park and preserving the lead. Kemp has already had a bunch of big at-bats this season, including a couple of walk-off homers. This one wasn't a walk-off, but it was just as dramatic as he lifted a grand slam to center to tie the game at 7 all.
The game then went into the 11th, where the Dodgers just unloaded on the Reds' bullpen once again. This time it was against poor Carlos Fisher, who gave up a single to Juan Castro leading off, and another single to Gwynn an out later. What followed were two straight RBI singles by Carroll and Miles, a run scored on an error by Fisher off the bat of Ethier, and an RBI groundout by Kemp. All in all, it was now 11-7.
Javy Guerra stayed on to pitch the 11th after wiggling out of a little bit of trouble in the previous inning. Ryan Hannigan singled to start, then went to second on a wild pitch. After getting Fred Lewis grounding out, Don Mattingly went with Ramon Troncoso.
Troncoso retired Janish, but the run scored to make it 11-8. Singles by Heisey and Stubbs sent the tying run to the plate in the dangerous Brandon Phillips. Phillips, though, lined out to right to end the game at 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Kemp will be remembered as the hero, as his two homers and six RBIs led the comeback charge. Games like this should help his push for a starting spot in the All-Star game. I know he's trailing behind guys like Ryan Braun, Matt Holliday, and Lance Berkman, but there's still time for him to make a push. He's definitely deserving of a starting nod after another clutch performance today.
Let's not forget a few others who were huge in this one. Carroll continues to plug along despite not getting much attention. He reached base five times and showed he can produce leading off. Miles went 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBIs hitting behind Carroll. Gwynn was a late sub and still went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Kershaw went from one extreme to the other, and ended up going six innings for six hits, six runs, two walks, and nine strikeouts. The bullpen deserves a hand, as MacDougal, Scott Elbert, Matt Guerrier, Guerra, and Troncoso combined for 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball. Not bad considering both teams combined for 19 runs on 28 hits on the day.
As sweet as this win was, winning Sunday would be even better. That would give the Dodgers a road series victory over a team that was picked to contend in the National League. It will be up to Chad Billingsley, who has won his previous two starts, to keep the momentum going forward.
Well, the darnedest thing happened on Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati: not only did the Dodgers erase a five-run deficit in one inning, they scored four runs in the 11th inning to win a crazy one over the Reds, 11-8.
To say the game featured a roller coaster of emotions for both teams would be a giant understatement. Clayton Kershaw was matched up with Johnny Cueto, so it figured to be a low-scoring game. Of course, when seeing that the final score reflected 19 runs, it goes to show that anything is possible in this sport.
The Dodgers were the first to strike. In the third, Dioner Navarro singled leading off, and went to second on a sacrifice by Kershaw. Jamey Carroll then hit an infield single to put two on. Aaron Miles's sac-fly RBI gave them an early lead at 1-0.
Kershaw was absolutely phenomenal through five innings. He got through the Reds' lineup in order the first time around, and his first hit was in the fourth on a single by Joey Votto, who was soon thrown out stealing. He then struck out the side in the fifth, and it was looking very much like a tight one, similar to Friday night's 2-1 win for the Reds.
Then the sixth came, and it all came apart. Trying to battle through 100 degree heat, Kershaw gave up a leadoff single to Ramon Hernandez. After going to second on a sacrifice by Cueto, Daniel Stubbs took a two-out walk. That would be costly, as Brandon Phillips hit an RBI single to make it 1-1. The big blow then came on a three-run shot by Votto, as the Reds were now up 4-1.
Kemp would play a huge role in this game, and it started with a solo homer to lead off the seventh. Now only down two, Kershaw couldn't get through the bottom of the inning, as Jay Bruce singled to lead off, but was soon erased at home on a single by Paul Janish.
Once again the Dodgers could not close an inning out with two down. Mike MacDougal relieved Kershaw, but he quickly surrendered a two-run single to Chris Heisey, making it 6-2. An RBI double by Stubbs gave the Reds a commanding 7-2 lead.
It's safe to say that not many people were expecting the Dodgers to catch fire and win at this point. About the only way it was possible was for one of their two big guns in Andre Ethier and Kemp to do something huge. Luckily for them, one of them did.
It all started with Nick Masset on in relief and Tony Gwynn singling with one out. Carroll followed with another one, part of his 4-for-5 day with one walk in the leadoff spot now that Rafael Furcal is on the DL again. Miles then hit an RBI single as Carroll advanced to third on an error by Stubbs in the outfield.
Bill Bray was brought in to get Ethier, but instead Ethier walked to load the bases for Kemp. Logan Ondrusek came on with the sole job of keeping Kemp in the park and preserving the lead. Kemp has already had a bunch of big at-bats this season, including a couple of walk-off homers. This one wasn't a walk-off, but it was just as dramatic as he lifted a grand slam to center to tie the game at 7 all.
The game then went into the 11th, where the Dodgers just unloaded on the Reds' bullpen once again. This time it was against poor Carlos Fisher, who gave up a single to Juan Castro leading off, and another single to Gwynn an out later. What followed were two straight RBI singles by Carroll and Miles, a run scored on an error by Fisher off the bat of Ethier, and an RBI groundout by Kemp. All in all, it was now 11-7.
Javy Guerra stayed on to pitch the 11th after wiggling out of a little bit of trouble in the previous inning. Ryan Hannigan singled to start, then went to second on a wild pitch. After getting Fred Lewis grounding out, Don Mattingly went with Ramon Troncoso.
Troncoso retired Janish, but the run scored to make it 11-8. Singles by Heisey and Stubbs sent the tying run to the plate in the dangerous Brandon Phillips. Phillips, though, lined out to right to end the game at 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Kemp will be remembered as the hero, as his two homers and six RBIs led the comeback charge. Games like this should help his push for a starting spot in the All-Star game. I know he's trailing behind guys like Ryan Braun, Matt Holliday, and Lance Berkman, but there's still time for him to make a push. He's definitely deserving of a starting nod after another clutch performance today.
Let's not forget a few others who were huge in this one. Carroll continues to plug along despite not getting much attention. He reached base five times and showed he can produce leading off. Miles went 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBIs hitting behind Carroll. Gwynn was a late sub and still went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Kershaw went from one extreme to the other, and ended up going six innings for six hits, six runs, two walks, and nine strikeouts. The bullpen deserves a hand, as MacDougal, Scott Elbert, Matt Guerrier, Guerra, and Troncoso combined for 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball. Not bad considering both teams combined for 19 runs on 28 hits on the day.
As sweet as this win was, winning Sunday would be even better. That would give the Dodgers a road series victory over a team that was picked to contend in the National League. It will be up to Chad Billingsley, who has won his previous two starts, to keep the momentum going forward.
More losses on and off the field
As both Rafael Furcal and Jon Garland were ready to hit the DL once again, and as Vicente Padilla is ready to stay on the DL, the Dodgers could not muster enough offense in Cincinnati as they fell to the Reds, 2-1. The loss is the opening game of their 10-game road trip.
Hiroki Kuroda and Bronson Arroyo both got through the first three innings unharmed, though Kuroda had to survive a wild ride in the second. Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen singled leading off. Bruce was then caught stealing, and Fred Lewis singled. Ryan Hanigan struck out for two down. Paul Janish walked, but Arroyo grounded into a forceout. That's three singles and a walk, yet no runs.
The Dodgers loaded the bases themselves in the fourth. Andre Ethier led off with a single, followed by Matt Kemp also singling. Jay Gibbons was then beaned to load the bags with nobody out. James Loney produced a sac-fly RBI for the 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, Kemp was tagged out in a rundown going to third, and Dioner Navarro grounded out to take away any chance of a big inning.
In the fifth, the Reds got on the board. Daniel Stubbs singled with one out. An out later, both Joey Votto and Bruce took walks, which proved to be big, as Rolen hit a two-run single with two outs to give the Reds a 2-1 advantage.
The Dodgers would go on to put two runners on base in the sixth and eighth, but came up empty both times. Lo and behold, it was Ethier and Kemp reaching base in both innings, yet nobody around them could do anything with it. Not a surprise when it's guys like Gibbons (.255), Loney (.241) and Navarro (.196) whom you're relying on.
Kuroda was coming off of two pretty poor starts, but did well in this one. He ended up with six innings pitched for six hits, two runs, four walks, and three strikeouts. The two walks with two outs in the fifth were what burned him in the end, because that set up what would eventually be the game-winning hit by Rolen.
As for the other story, it was once again the Dodgers having to deal with injuries. It's just incredible how crippling the injury bug has been for this team. This time it was Raffy once again going down after making a throw to third in the second inning. I love the guy, but I have to wonder if it's time to let him go. He's a special player when he's healthy... which seems like only 10% of the time now.
I'm not saying to release him, but maybe put him on the trade block if he does prove to be healthy for the trade deadline. Get some sort of value if a contending team wants to take a shot with him. It's not like the Dodgers are a contending team, so it's worth dangling him out there to what they can get.
The other injury news concerns Garland and Padilla. Garland is scratched from his next start which will instead go to young Rubby De La Rosa. Garland was brought in because he's an innings-eater who's never hurt. So of course that means he now will be making his second DL trip this season.
Padilla was supposed to be activated, but experienced pain in his neck when trying to warm up. The scary part is that this was the same injury that derailed him last year, so it's obviously a big concern. Much like Furcal, he's just so unreliable, it's hard to ever feel like he'll be a big contributor again. The second you feel good about either guy, something goes wrong, and here we go again.
All Don Mattingly can do is put a ragtag lineup out there of people who actually are healthy and see what happens. Either and Kemp combined to go 4-for-6 with two runs and a walk, so they did their part. Now the Dodgers are just desperate to see if someone else can step up and join the fun. Juan Uribe is eligible to come off the DL Saturday, so maybe it can be him? We can only hope.
A couple of aces will take the mound on Saturday. Clayton Kershaw and his 2.62 ERA takes on Johnny Cueto and his 2.20 ERA. That should be a fun one to watch. Not that I'll get to because it's on FOX, so I get Cubs-Cardinals instead. Oh well. Enjoy it for those of you who can.
Hiroki Kuroda and Bronson Arroyo both got through the first three innings unharmed, though Kuroda had to survive a wild ride in the second. Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen singled leading off. Bruce was then caught stealing, and Fred Lewis singled. Ryan Hanigan struck out for two down. Paul Janish walked, but Arroyo grounded into a forceout. That's three singles and a walk, yet no runs.
The Dodgers loaded the bases themselves in the fourth. Andre Ethier led off with a single, followed by Matt Kemp also singling. Jay Gibbons was then beaned to load the bags with nobody out. James Loney produced a sac-fly RBI for the 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, Kemp was tagged out in a rundown going to third, and Dioner Navarro grounded out to take away any chance of a big inning.
In the fifth, the Reds got on the board. Daniel Stubbs singled with one out. An out later, both Joey Votto and Bruce took walks, which proved to be big, as Rolen hit a two-run single with two outs to give the Reds a 2-1 advantage.
The Dodgers would go on to put two runners on base in the sixth and eighth, but came up empty both times. Lo and behold, it was Ethier and Kemp reaching base in both innings, yet nobody around them could do anything with it. Not a surprise when it's guys like Gibbons (.255), Loney (.241) and Navarro (.196) whom you're relying on.
Kuroda was coming off of two pretty poor starts, but did well in this one. He ended up with six innings pitched for six hits, two runs, four walks, and three strikeouts. The two walks with two outs in the fifth were what burned him in the end, because that set up what would eventually be the game-winning hit by Rolen.
As for the other story, it was once again the Dodgers having to deal with injuries. It's just incredible how crippling the injury bug has been for this team. This time it was Raffy once again going down after making a throw to third in the second inning. I love the guy, but I have to wonder if it's time to let him go. He's a special player when he's healthy... which seems like only 10% of the time now.
I'm not saying to release him, but maybe put him on the trade block if he does prove to be healthy for the trade deadline. Get some sort of value if a contending team wants to take a shot with him. It's not like the Dodgers are a contending team, so it's worth dangling him out there to what they can get.
The other injury news concerns Garland and Padilla. Garland is scratched from his next start which will instead go to young Rubby De La Rosa. Garland was brought in because he's an innings-eater who's never hurt. So of course that means he now will be making his second DL trip this season.
Padilla was supposed to be activated, but experienced pain in his neck when trying to warm up. The scary part is that this was the same injury that derailed him last year, so it's obviously a big concern. Much like Furcal, he's just so unreliable, it's hard to ever feel like he'll be a big contributor again. The second you feel good about either guy, something goes wrong, and here we go again.
All Don Mattingly can do is put a ragtag lineup out there of people who actually are healthy and see what happens. Either and Kemp combined to go 4-for-6 with two runs and a walk, so they did their part. Now the Dodgers are just desperate to see if someone else can step up and join the fun. Juan Uribe is eligible to come off the DL Saturday, so maybe it can be him? We can only hope.
A couple of aces will take the mound on Saturday. Clayton Kershaw and his 2.62 ERA takes on Johnny Cueto and his 2.20 ERA. That should be a fun one to watch. Not that I'll get to because it's on FOX, so I get Cubs-Cardinals instead. Oh well. Enjoy it for those of you who can.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Votto's big bat carries the Reds
The Dodgers and Reds were locked in a 2-2 battle going into the sixth when Joey Votto lifted a solo homer off of Clayton Kershaw. That turned out to be the difference as the Reds went on to win, 5-2.
Kershaw didn't start the day off right, as he gave up two in the first. Brandon Phillips loves to hit at Dodger Stadium, and he started things off with a single. After Miguel Cairo struck out, Votto and Jonny Gomes walked to load the bases. Chris Heisey struck out, but Ryan Hanigan's two-run single up the middle put the Reds in the lead.
Matt Kemp cut the deficit in half with a solo shot to center in the second. That's two straight days with a home run, which is refreshing to see. Granted, those are his only two hits, but he's made them count. Any sign of swinging better will be met with open arms.
From innings 3-5, Kershaw found his groove as he struck out six. The Dodgers tied the game up in the fifth. Casey Blake legged out an infield single with one out. You know the ball must have been going very slowly for that guy to beat it out. Jamey Carroll then singled for two on.
A.J. Ellis will be the odd man out when Rod Barajas arrives on Tuesday, so he was starting his last game for the foreseeable future. It's no surprise considering he's one of the worst hitters in baseball, but he actually got an RBI single up the middle to tie the game at 2-2. It's safe to say that can be considered a bonus.
With new life, that quickly faded away as Votto got just enough of one to put it over the left field fence in the sixth. It's too bad for Kershaw because he really did a nice job as the game progressed. He ended with seven innings for five hits, three runs, five walks, and 11 strikeouts. That's too many walks, though, and he paid for it in the first.
The Dodgers went down feebly the rest of the game. Ryan Theriot got an infield single in the sixth, and Ellis another single in the seventh. That's it. Francisco Cordero got three easy outs to shut the door.
The game was still close, however, entering the ninth. Joe Torre called on Jonathan Broxton, who did a good job in getting the save the night before. Once again, Broxton proved why he can't be trusted as the full-time closer anymore. He got a flyout to start, then loaded the bases on a walk to Paul Janish and singles to Jay Bruce and Phillips.
Scott Rolen pinch-hit and struck out on some heat. In stepped Votto, and he was quickly down 0-2 on swings. He then fouled off four pitches before loading the count. Could Broxton make one more big pitch? Nope. Votto singled for two runs.
Broxton did show some good heat, especially in the at-bat to Rolen. But like I said, he just doesn't have the ability to make that one more big pitch to get out of an inning. He used to, but not this year. He's young enough where he has plenty of time to figure it out, but Torre should not use him in close games like this. The results prove he fails more often than not.
Even if Broxton got the job done, it still would have been a loss thanks to another poor offensive showing. They hit four home runs and a double the night before, but could muster only one homer and no other extra-base hits today. That's just the way they are now, even with Manny Ramirez back, though he rested today. Men will reach base, but with such a lousy power-hitting team, they stand little chance of scoring.
The Dodgers will hit the road now for three in Milwaukee before going to Colorado for three more. If Manny follows his pattern of resting during the day, then he should play in four of those games. Let's see if he can get going. Hiroki Kuroda pitches on Tuesday.
Kershaw didn't start the day off right, as he gave up two in the first. Brandon Phillips loves to hit at Dodger Stadium, and he started things off with a single. After Miguel Cairo struck out, Votto and Jonny Gomes walked to load the bases. Chris Heisey struck out, but Ryan Hanigan's two-run single up the middle put the Reds in the lead.
Matt Kemp cut the deficit in half with a solo shot to center in the second. That's two straight days with a home run, which is refreshing to see. Granted, those are his only two hits, but he's made them count. Any sign of swinging better will be met with open arms.
From innings 3-5, Kershaw found his groove as he struck out six. The Dodgers tied the game up in the fifth. Casey Blake legged out an infield single with one out. You know the ball must have been going very slowly for that guy to beat it out. Jamey Carroll then singled for two on.
A.J. Ellis will be the odd man out when Rod Barajas arrives on Tuesday, so he was starting his last game for the foreseeable future. It's no surprise considering he's one of the worst hitters in baseball, but he actually got an RBI single up the middle to tie the game at 2-2. It's safe to say that can be considered a bonus.
With new life, that quickly faded away as Votto got just enough of one to put it over the left field fence in the sixth. It's too bad for Kershaw because he really did a nice job as the game progressed. He ended with seven innings for five hits, three runs, five walks, and 11 strikeouts. That's too many walks, though, and he paid for it in the first.
The Dodgers went down feebly the rest of the game. Ryan Theriot got an infield single in the sixth, and Ellis another single in the seventh. That's it. Francisco Cordero got three easy outs to shut the door.
The game was still close, however, entering the ninth. Joe Torre called on Jonathan Broxton, who did a good job in getting the save the night before. Once again, Broxton proved why he can't be trusted as the full-time closer anymore. He got a flyout to start, then loaded the bases on a walk to Paul Janish and singles to Jay Bruce and Phillips.
Scott Rolen pinch-hit and struck out on some heat. In stepped Votto, and he was quickly down 0-2 on swings. He then fouled off four pitches before loading the count. Could Broxton make one more big pitch? Nope. Votto singled for two runs.
Broxton did show some good heat, especially in the at-bat to Rolen. But like I said, he just doesn't have the ability to make that one more big pitch to get out of an inning. He used to, but not this year. He's young enough where he has plenty of time to figure it out, but Torre should not use him in close games like this. The results prove he fails more often than not.
Even if Broxton got the job done, it still would have been a loss thanks to another poor offensive showing. They hit four home runs and a double the night before, but could muster only one homer and no other extra-base hits today. That's just the way they are now, even with Manny Ramirez back, though he rested today. Men will reach base, but with such a lousy power-hitting team, they stand little chance of scoring.
The Dodgers will hit the road now for three in Milwaukee before going to Colorado for three more. If Manny follows his pattern of resting during the day, then he should play in four of those games. Let's see if he can get going. Hiroki Kuroda pitches on Tuesday.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The offensive snoozefest continues
Yaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnn!
That's the exact feeling I get whenever the Dodgers are at the plate. You may as well go to the bathroom, get something to eat, run around the house... hell, anything else would be more exciting than watching these guys try to hit.
You can probably make an educated guess that the Dodgers lost again. And you would be right. The Reds used clutch two-out hitting against Carlos Monasterios to edge the Dodgers, 3-1. Well, a two-run advantage is small to most teams, but not against the Dodgers. So it was basically a blowout.
Monasterios had an interesting night. It seemed like he was either striking people out or giving up singles. Take the first inning for example. Brandon Phillips and Lance Nix singled to lead off the game. The next three guys struck out swinging.
Phillips had a good night at the plate, and it continued in the second. Ryan Hanigan singled leading off. Two outs later, Homer Bailey kept the inning alive with a sharp single up the middle. Phillips then hit an RBI single to make it 1-0.
The Dodgers have zero power (like I needed to remind you of that...), so they have to definitely manufacture runs. That happened in the third. Jamey Carroll walked leading off, and Brad Ausmus singled. Yes, a Dodger catcher actually got a hit. I didn't think I'd ever see the day. Monasterios laid down a great bunt with two strikes to get both runners over.
Scott Podsednik lined out to short for two down. Ryan Theriot then got creative, as he laid down a perfect bunt for an RBI single. There were still two on, so that gave Andre Ethier a chance to strike out to end the inning. And, naturally, he did.
With the game tied at 1-1, Monasterios was his own worst enemy in giving the Reds back the lead. In the fourth, Hanigan singled again to start. Drew Stubbs bunted, but Monaterios threw wide of first for the error. It came back to haunt him, as Phillips hit a two-run single with two outs for the 3-1 lead.
That's all the support Bailey would need, as he kept the Dodgers off-balance the rest of the night. About the only threat was in the fifth. Ausmus again singled and Jay Gibbons pinch-hit and drew a walk with one down. Podsednik and Theriot both couldn't reach.
Actually, the seventh could be considered a threat as well. Casey Blake hit a leadoff double. Carroll's groundout got him to third with one out. But, Ausmus and Ronnie Belliard struck out.
Is it me, or does Belliard pinch-hit and strike out just about every game now? Here's an idea - quit having him pinch-hit! Geez, it's not rocket science here.
The end of the game was symbolic to just how far the Dodgers have fallen the second half of the season. Matt Kemp singled with one out. It was a bloop single, but good enough for a guy that spends 95% of the time looking totally lost at the plate. Blake promptly hit into the game-ending double play.
With Vicente Padilla on the DL with a bad neck, Monasterios once again got a spot start. He wasn't too bad, but not exactly good either. He lasted 4 1/3 innings for eight hits, three runs (one earned, though it was his own fault), one walk, and six strikeouts. The strikeouts were good, but like I said before, he gave up a lot of singles.
The bullpen of Ronald Belisario, Kenley Jansen, and Octavio Dotel held the Reds hitless over the final 4 2/3, so they did a good job. But when the offense was so helpless once again, it didn't really matter.
Think about this: When's the last time anyone on the Dodgers hit a big home run? I honestly can't remember. I know Reed Johnson hit one last game, but I'm talking about one late in the game to really make a difference. Ethier? Kemp? Blake? James Loney? Anyone?
Besides losing nearly every game now, the problem with the Dodgers is that they're just not fun to watch. You have to really appreciate low scoring, well-pitched games to stay tuned in for three hours. But even that can only go so far. Eventually, people grow tired of the pitching doing all the work and the bats in hibernation.
I understand that any team that loses Rafael Furcal and Manny Ramirez would feel the effects. But man, the rest of the Dodgers sure make them look like all-time greats. They don't have anybody to fill their void, and their young core of Ethier, Kemp, and Loney do practically nothing to carry the team. It's just sad.
Chad Billingsley will get the start on Saturday. I'm not so much concerned how he'll do on the mound. Rather, I just hope he goes 4-for-4 with three homers and a double. Then maybe they'll actually put some runs on the board.
That's the exact feeling I get whenever the Dodgers are at the plate. You may as well go to the bathroom, get something to eat, run around the house... hell, anything else would be more exciting than watching these guys try to hit.
You can probably make an educated guess that the Dodgers lost again. And you would be right. The Reds used clutch two-out hitting against Carlos Monasterios to edge the Dodgers, 3-1. Well, a two-run advantage is small to most teams, but not against the Dodgers. So it was basically a blowout.
Monasterios had an interesting night. It seemed like he was either striking people out or giving up singles. Take the first inning for example. Brandon Phillips and Lance Nix singled to lead off the game. The next three guys struck out swinging.
Phillips had a good night at the plate, and it continued in the second. Ryan Hanigan singled leading off. Two outs later, Homer Bailey kept the inning alive with a sharp single up the middle. Phillips then hit an RBI single to make it 1-0.
The Dodgers have zero power (like I needed to remind you of that...), so they have to definitely manufacture runs. That happened in the third. Jamey Carroll walked leading off, and Brad Ausmus singled. Yes, a Dodger catcher actually got a hit. I didn't think I'd ever see the day. Monasterios laid down a great bunt with two strikes to get both runners over.
Scott Podsednik lined out to short for two down. Ryan Theriot then got creative, as he laid down a perfect bunt for an RBI single. There were still two on, so that gave Andre Ethier a chance to strike out to end the inning. And, naturally, he did.
With the game tied at 1-1, Monasterios was his own worst enemy in giving the Reds back the lead. In the fourth, Hanigan singled again to start. Drew Stubbs bunted, but Monaterios threw wide of first for the error. It came back to haunt him, as Phillips hit a two-run single with two outs for the 3-1 lead.
That's all the support Bailey would need, as he kept the Dodgers off-balance the rest of the night. About the only threat was in the fifth. Ausmus again singled and Jay Gibbons pinch-hit and drew a walk with one down. Podsednik and Theriot both couldn't reach.
Actually, the seventh could be considered a threat as well. Casey Blake hit a leadoff double. Carroll's groundout got him to third with one out. But, Ausmus and Ronnie Belliard struck out.
Is it me, or does Belliard pinch-hit and strike out just about every game now? Here's an idea - quit having him pinch-hit! Geez, it's not rocket science here.
The end of the game was symbolic to just how far the Dodgers have fallen the second half of the season. Matt Kemp singled with one out. It was a bloop single, but good enough for a guy that spends 95% of the time looking totally lost at the plate. Blake promptly hit into the game-ending double play.
With Vicente Padilla on the DL with a bad neck, Monasterios once again got a spot start. He wasn't too bad, but not exactly good either. He lasted 4 1/3 innings for eight hits, three runs (one earned, though it was his own fault), one walk, and six strikeouts. The strikeouts were good, but like I said before, he gave up a lot of singles.
The bullpen of Ronald Belisario, Kenley Jansen, and Octavio Dotel held the Reds hitless over the final 4 2/3, so they did a good job. But when the offense was so helpless once again, it didn't really matter.
Think about this: When's the last time anyone on the Dodgers hit a big home run? I honestly can't remember. I know Reed Johnson hit one last game, but I'm talking about one late in the game to really make a difference. Ethier? Kemp? Blake? James Loney? Anyone?
Besides losing nearly every game now, the problem with the Dodgers is that they're just not fun to watch. You have to really appreciate low scoring, well-pitched games to stay tuned in for three hours. But even that can only go so far. Eventually, people grow tired of the pitching doing all the work and the bats in hibernation.
I understand that any team that loses Rafael Furcal and Manny Ramirez would feel the effects. But man, the rest of the Dodgers sure make them look like all-time greats. They don't have anybody to fill their void, and their young core of Ethier, Kemp, and Loney do practically nothing to carry the team. It's just sad.
Chad Billingsley will get the start on Saturday. I'm not so much concerned how he'll do on the mound. Rather, I just hope he goes 4-for-4 with three homers and a double. Then maybe they'll actually put some runs on the board.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
All-around Arroyo wakes up Reds
Bronson Arroyo pitched seven innings of one-run ball, but it was his three-run homer that was difference as the Reds beat the Dodgers, 7-1. The Dodgers still took two of three from this series before moving on to Boston.
With a very early start time of 12:35 ET (so 9:35 PT for the L.A. boys), Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin were given the day off. Unfortunately, Rafael Furcal was placed on the bereavement list because of a family matter. Chin-lung Hu has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Blake DeWitt hit leadoff and singled to start the game. Matt Kemp then drew a walk, and it looked like the Dodgers were going to roll again. Andre Ethier hit a big home run last night, but grounded into a double play in this spot. A groundout by James Loney followed, and it was a sign of things to come.
The Dodgers did lead this game in the second. Two out walks to A.J. Ellis and Jamey Carroll sent John Ely to the plate. Ely responded with an RBI single, the first of his career. Speaking of "a sign of things to come," the opposing pitcher would also strut his stuff at the plate.
That would be Arroyo, who didn't disappoint when given the chance to drive in runs. Jay Bruce and Chris Miller were on base with two outs, when Arroyo hit a three-run shot to make it 3-1.
Once that happened, the Dodgers never recovered. After Brendan Phillips walked to start the third, Jay Bruce's two-run homer made it 5-1.
Two innings later, Phillips got in on the fun with a solo shot to push their lead to 6-1. Once Scott Rolen walked and Jonny Gomes singled, Justin Miller replaced Ely. An RBI single by Bruce was the game's last run.
It's not like Arroyo dominated the Dodgers, because they still got seven hits and seven walks. But, there was absolutely no clutch hitting after Ely's single. 10 men were left on base, and Garret Anderson, Kemp, and Ethier all grounded into double plays. It was pretty ugly.
Ely is now showing his youth and inexperience, as he's been hit around the last three starts. At one point, he had gone seven starts without giving up a longball. Well, that's been thrown out the window, as he now has surrendered six in his last three.
So, he's facing some reality right now. I don't think he's this bad, but he wasn't as good as he was showing before. Maybe someday he will be, but certainly not yet. He just needs to find that confidence that had him at a 2.54 ERA after his seventh start (it's 4.15 now). Keeping the ball in the park would be a nice start.
Next up for the Dodgers is the first of two huge weekends. It's the return of Manny Ramirez to Fenway Park. Joe Torre will most likely have him at DH, where he should be anyway. Still, what a fun scene that will be when Manny takes the plate for the first time. I can't wait.
Carlos Monasterios suffered his first subpar start last time, but with Chad Billingsley hitting the DL a couple days ago, he'll get another start. It should be an electric atmosphere, so he'll have to find a way to settle himself down and just worry about the batters. Don't be surprised to see Jeff Weaver get in Friday as well.
With a very early start time of 12:35 ET (so 9:35 PT for the L.A. boys), Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin were given the day off. Unfortunately, Rafael Furcal was placed on the bereavement list because of a family matter. Chin-lung Hu has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Blake DeWitt hit leadoff and singled to start the game. Matt Kemp then drew a walk, and it looked like the Dodgers were going to roll again. Andre Ethier hit a big home run last night, but grounded into a double play in this spot. A groundout by James Loney followed, and it was a sign of things to come.
The Dodgers did lead this game in the second. Two out walks to A.J. Ellis and Jamey Carroll sent John Ely to the plate. Ely responded with an RBI single, the first of his career. Speaking of "a sign of things to come," the opposing pitcher would also strut his stuff at the plate.
That would be Arroyo, who didn't disappoint when given the chance to drive in runs. Jay Bruce and Chris Miller were on base with two outs, when Arroyo hit a three-run shot to make it 3-1.
Once that happened, the Dodgers never recovered. After Brendan Phillips walked to start the third, Jay Bruce's two-run homer made it 5-1.
Two innings later, Phillips got in on the fun with a solo shot to push their lead to 6-1. Once Scott Rolen walked and Jonny Gomes singled, Justin Miller replaced Ely. An RBI single by Bruce was the game's last run.
It's not like Arroyo dominated the Dodgers, because they still got seven hits and seven walks. But, there was absolutely no clutch hitting after Ely's single. 10 men were left on base, and Garret Anderson, Kemp, and Ethier all grounded into double plays. It was pretty ugly.
Ely is now showing his youth and inexperience, as he's been hit around the last three starts. At one point, he had gone seven starts without giving up a longball. Well, that's been thrown out the window, as he now has surrendered six in his last three.
So, he's facing some reality right now. I don't think he's this bad, but he wasn't as good as he was showing before. Maybe someday he will be, but certainly not yet. He just needs to find that confidence that had him at a 2.54 ERA after his seventh start (it's 4.15 now). Keeping the ball in the park would be a nice start.
Next up for the Dodgers is the first of two huge weekends. It's the return of Manny Ramirez to Fenway Park. Joe Torre will most likely have him at DH, where he should be anyway. Still, what a fun scene that will be when Manny takes the plate for the first time. I can't wait.
Carlos Monasterios suffered his first subpar start last time, but with Chad Billingsley hitting the DL a couple days ago, he'll get another start. It should be an electric atmosphere, so he'll have to find a way to settle himself down and just worry about the batters. Don't be surprised to see Jeff Weaver get in Friday as well.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Ethier's homer carries Dodgers to a win
Andre Ethier got back on track with a three-run homer, Clayton Kershaw pitched strong into the eighth inning, and the Dodgers got another win over the Reds, 6-2. The Dodgers are now an amazing 25-6 against the Reds since 2006.
The Blue Jays blew out the Padres as well, 7-1. Now the Dodgers have a 1/2 game lead in the NL West. But don't get too comfortable, the Giants are only one game back. It changes by the hour it seems.
This game was a great matchup of two young pitching studs: Kershaw and Mike Leake. Through four innings, both men put up blanks. The Dodgers had two men on in the third and fourth, but couldn't push any runs across.
That changed in the fifth, and it started with Rafael Furcal's leadoff single. Russell Martin also singled. Ethier struck out, but Manny Ramirez drew a walk to load 'em up. James Loney hit a two-run double to go up 2-0.
The Reds tried to slash the lead in half in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs, Orlando Cabrera singled to Manny in left. Ramon Hernandez tried to score, but Manny gunned him out. It's not often (or ever) that I get to write those words, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
In the sixth, the Dodgers took a comfortable lead. Blake DeWitt led off with a walk. Kershaw sacrificed him over to second, where Russell Martin singled him over to third an out later. Ethier has struggled since returning from the DL, but he got the big hit he was waiting for with a three-run shot, putting the Dodgers up 5-0.
The bottom of the inning saw the Reds get a one and a two: one run on a sac-fly RBI from Jonny Gomes, and two ejections. Scott Rolen took a pretty low pitch for a called third strike, argued immediately, and was tossed. Dusty Baker came out, argued as well, and was run.
Like the night before, if it could go wrong for the Reds, it did.
Manny added a solo shot in the ninth, his seventh and second in consecutive games. Hong-Chih Kuo got credited with a save by pitching out of a jam in the eighth and finishing it up.
Kershaw had another really good performance. He went 7 1/3 for seven hits, one run, one walk, and seven strikeouts. His fastball was popping all night. He's now up to 7-3 with a 2.96 ERA.
As for the Reds, they have been one of the surprise teams this year. But, they've now dropped six of nine, and haven't been competitive at all these last two games. The Cardinals are now tied with them for the top of the NL Central.
With Ethier and Manny hitting homers, it's obviously a good sign for the heart of the order. The Dodgers need these two driving in runs to stay in first. Matt Kemp was only 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. Hopefully he can snap out of his funk soon so he can join in on the fun.
Thursday will be the final game in Cincinnati before going to Fenway Park for three. It'll be an afternoon start with John Ely going against Bronson Arroyo. Ely has come back to Earth a bit after a brilliant start, so he'll look to pitch deeper into the game.
The Blue Jays blew out the Padres as well, 7-1. Now the Dodgers have a 1/2 game lead in the NL West. But don't get too comfortable, the Giants are only one game back. It changes by the hour it seems.
This game was a great matchup of two young pitching studs: Kershaw and Mike Leake. Through four innings, both men put up blanks. The Dodgers had two men on in the third and fourth, but couldn't push any runs across.
That changed in the fifth, and it started with Rafael Furcal's leadoff single. Russell Martin also singled. Ethier struck out, but Manny Ramirez drew a walk to load 'em up. James Loney hit a two-run double to go up 2-0.
The Reds tried to slash the lead in half in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs, Orlando Cabrera singled to Manny in left. Ramon Hernandez tried to score, but Manny gunned him out. It's not often (or ever) that I get to write those words, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
In the sixth, the Dodgers took a comfortable lead. Blake DeWitt led off with a walk. Kershaw sacrificed him over to second, where Russell Martin singled him over to third an out later. Ethier has struggled since returning from the DL, but he got the big hit he was waiting for with a three-run shot, putting the Dodgers up 5-0.
The bottom of the inning saw the Reds get a one and a two: one run on a sac-fly RBI from Jonny Gomes, and two ejections. Scott Rolen took a pretty low pitch for a called third strike, argued immediately, and was tossed. Dusty Baker came out, argued as well, and was run.
Like the night before, if it could go wrong for the Reds, it did.
Manny added a solo shot in the ninth, his seventh and second in consecutive games. Hong-Chih Kuo got credited with a save by pitching out of a jam in the eighth and finishing it up.
Kershaw had another really good performance. He went 7 1/3 for seven hits, one run, one walk, and seven strikeouts. His fastball was popping all night. He's now up to 7-3 with a 2.96 ERA.
As for the Reds, they have been one of the surprise teams this year. But, they've now dropped six of nine, and haven't been competitive at all these last two games. The Cardinals are now tied with them for the top of the NL Central.
With Ethier and Manny hitting homers, it's obviously a good sign for the heart of the order. The Dodgers need these two driving in runs to stay in first. Matt Kemp was only 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. Hopefully he can snap out of his funk soon so he can join in on the fun.
Thursday will be the final game in Cincinnati before going to Fenway Park for three. It'll be an afternoon start with John Ely going against Bronson Arroyo. Ely has come back to Earth a bit after a brilliant start, so he'll look to pitch deeper into the game.
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