Have the Dodgers reached a turning point?

After completing another sweep of the Cincinnati Reds (and taking 7 of 8 games from them this season), the Dodgers may have finally started on the path of playing winning baseball.

These past 3 games have been very encouraging for the Dodgers, as they won by a combined score of 16-6. They had quality starting pitching and timely hitting in each game. It's been awhile since they've felt this good about themselves, and even though they were only playing the lowly Reds, to play this well is a great sign.

Eric Stults received the call up from Triple-A and was great. He finished at 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Until the 7th inning, he had given up no runs on 5 hits, and was cruising along. In the 7th, things unraveled a bit, but an error by Jeff Kent early in the inning didn't help things out. With 1 run in and 2 on, Scott Proctor came in and struck out Paul Janish, but then surrendered a walk and a bunt single for a run.

Joe Beimel then came in and struck out Jay Bruce, who was then ejected for arguing. With 2 down, Jonathan Broxton came in and came close to imploding again. A single, wild pitch, and intentional walk to Adam Dunn (who apparently does not impress the Toronto Blue Jays) loaded the bases. With only a 2-run cushion, Edwin Encarnacion grounded into a fielder's choice to end the threat.

Taking the 7th inning out, it was all Dodgers. And they did it because their young guns produced. Matt Kemp: 2-5, R, 3 RBI, HR, 2B. Andre Ethier: 2-5, RBI. James Loney: 3-4, 2 R, RBI, 2B. Russell Martin also played well, but he always does. Blake DeWitt added a run scored and a stolen base.

Here's the bottom line - for the Dodgers to even think about getting a playoff berth, the young players I just mentioned have to be more productive. These last 3 games they have been. Now they have to do it much more consistently. Games like this are a perfect example of why the Dodgers organization is so high on them and reluctant to give them up. The Rockies and Diamondbacks won with young players last year, now it's the Dodgers' turn.

A great pitching matchup is on tap for tonight, as Clayton Kershaw battles Cliff Lee. Kershaw is the star of the future, and Lee has had a tremendous season that should land him a starting nod in the All-Star game. This will be fun to watch.