For all of the negativity and pure crap associated with the Dodgers' organization this season, there's two reasons to be thankful: Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp.
Kershaw struck out nine in eight scoreless innings and Kemp doubled home a pair as the Dodgers ended a five-game slide by beating the Mets, 6-0. The win saves the humiliation of getting swept at home.
The scoring got started in the second, with some help. Juan Uribe was beaned with one down. James Loney then hit one back to the mound that Dillon Gee turned and fired into center for the error, putting runners on the corners. Aaron Miles hit a fly ball to left in which Uribe tagged up on. It was a close play at the plate that went Uribe's way, but replays clearly showed he was out. But I don't care, I'll take it.
Both Kershaw and Gee were cruising along until the sixth when the Dodgers finally did something with the bats. Tony Gwynn singled leading off, stole second, and took third on a bad throw by Ronny Paulino. Jamey Carroll grounded out and Andre Ethier took a walk. Kemp then stroked a two-run double to make it 3-0.
The Dodgers kept adding on from there, as they put the game away. Uribe hit a ground rule double to right to score Kemp. After Loney struck out to make it two down, Miles hit an RBI double to go up 5-0. Manny Acosta relieved Gee, and Dioner Navarro greeted him with an RBI triple to push the lead to 6-0.
Kershaw stayed on to pitch the eighth, and he found himself in some trouble. Two singles by Ruben Tejada and Angel Pagan, and a walk to Carlos Beltran loaded the bases with two outs. Don Mattingly came out to check on his ace, and Kershaw stayed in the game to pitch to Paulino. With two strikes, Kershaw pulled the string and got him swinging to end the inning.
The game should have been over at this point, as Kenley Jansen came on to get to the last three outs with a big lead. Jansen started off well by striking out Jason Bay. But, he then gave up a single to Daniel Murphy and walks to Willie Harris and Tejada. Mercifully he was yanked, and Hong-Chih Kuo gave us a flashback to last year with a strikeout of Lucas Duda and getting Pagan grounding out to end the game.
After another gem by Kershaw, he now ends the first half of the season with some awesome stats: 9-4, 3.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 147 strikeouts in 130 2/3 innings. Now the question will be if he gets to start the All-Star Game. As I pointed out a few starts ago, with the start on Thursday, he'll be on his regular five-days rest by Tuesday. NL manager Bruce Bochy has plenty of great pitchers to choose from, but if they're going by who's on proper rest, Kershaw is the guy.
The best part of watching Kershaw pitch was actually when he was facing trouble in the eighth. When Mattingly came out with the bases loaded, everyone assumed he was being pulled. But when he was left in to get he last out, the crowd went nuts, and they stayed that way through the strikeout. When's the last time Dodger Stadium has been excited like that? Opening day? I'm glad the fans appreciate just how good he is.
The guy who we know is definitely starting next Tuesday, Kemp, showed once again why he's an MVP candidate. His two-run double started the wave of runs in the sixth. Plus, he stole another base to make 25 on the season, good for fourth in the majors behind speedy little dudes Michael Bourn, Jose Reyes, and Jacoby Ellsbury.
With the Mets' series thankfully over, the Dodgers will now entertain the Padres for three games. I can see the headlines now - "The battle for the cellar." The Padres are 10 games in back of the Giants, and the Dodgers are 12. Chad Billingsley will get the start against Mat Latos.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Dodgers continue their free fall
Here's your latest indication that the Dodgers are terrible: they are one game away from suffering a four-game sweep at home against the Mets. It's that bad.
The Mets continued to do plenty of damage with two outs, as a three-run sixth lifted them to a victory over the pitiful Dodgers, 5-3. The Dodgers are now 14 games under .500 and remain in dead last in the NL West.
Hiroki Kuroda, despite his misleading record, has been the second best Dodgers' pitcher this season, just behind Clayton Kershaw. Kuroda got through the opening three innings just fine, but of course was given no run support to work with. As usual, his luck would soon run out.
In the fourth, Carlos Beltran, who's revived his career quite nicely with a well-deserved All-Star selection this year, doubled leading off. He went to third on a groundout, but Jason Bay grounded back to the mound for two outs. Unlike the Dodgers, who are horrendous with two outs, the Mets drove the runner in on an RBI double from Lucas Duda, making it 1-0.
Somehow, the Dodgers actually got that run back in the bottom of the frame. Jamey Carroll laid down a great bunt to reach leading off. Andre Ethier forced him out at second, but Matt Kemp's single put runners on the corners. Juan Uribe got the run in on a groundout, and it was 1-1.
The Mets took the lead for good in the sixth. Again, Beltran doubled leading off. Apparently James Loney didn't get the memo that he likes to hit down the line. Daniel Murphy flied out to Eugenio Velez in left, but Velez airmailed a throw to the infield, allowing Beltran to move up. Just a horrible play overall, and made even worse when Kuroda uncorked a wild pitch to score Beltran and make it 2-1. After two more singles, Ruben Tejada's two-run double scored them both for the 4-1 lead.
About the only time the Dodgers showed any fight all night came in the bottom of the sixth where they nearly tied it up. Rafael Furcal walked, about the only positive thing he's done since coming back from injury #7,625. Carroll singled again, and Ethier went the other way with an RBI single to make it 4-2. Kemp got Carroll over to third on a grounder, and Uribe got a sac-fly RBI to go down 4-3. Kemp stole second, but Loney grounded out to end the inning.
The score remained the same until the ninth when the Dodgers' crappy bullpen gave up another run. Javy Guerra was in, and Willie Harris doubled with one out. Angel Pagan flied out, but once again the Mets came through in the clutch as Justin Turner hit an RBI single for the 5-3 lead.
Frankie Rodriguez got his 22nd save as he only gave up a single to Uribe.
Kuroda tried, but was ultimately done in by one bad inning and hardly any offensive support. He lasted six innings for eights hits, four runs, one walk, and two strikeouts. He's now 6-10 with a 3.06 ERA. That's just laughable that the guy has that many losses and that strong of an ERA. Such is life when you pitch for the Dodgers.
The offense managed only seven baserunners the entire game. In other words, it was another day at the office. Carroll had a good game with three hits, and Uribe had a couple of RBIs. Kemp stole his 25th base. That's it when it comes to highlights on the offensive end. These guys are so boring, I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep watching them.
What makes me even angrier is watching Velez stink up the joint just knowing that he's the guy who replaced Dee Gordon. I know it's a small sample size, but Velez is 0-for-6 and had that horrible throw from left in this one. There is absolutely no reason Gordon should be sent down. Especially when the guy replacing him looks lost right now. The Dodgers have to correct this soon if they have any common sense.
I'm not sure what else to even say about the Dodgers at this point. They just continue to fall deeper and deeper in the standings. Kemp and Kershaw are the only ones to fear on this team. The starting rotation is decent, the bullpen is terrible, and the hitters can't drive people in. And that's the harsh truth.
The Dodgers will look to avoid a sweep on Thursday, something I never pictured myself saying before the season started. Kershaw will get the call in his last start before becoming an All-Star. I'm sure he can't wait to get the hell out of LA and join other players who actually know how to play this game.
The Mets continued to do plenty of damage with two outs, as a three-run sixth lifted them to a victory over the pitiful Dodgers, 5-3. The Dodgers are now 14 games under .500 and remain in dead last in the NL West.
Hiroki Kuroda, despite his misleading record, has been the second best Dodgers' pitcher this season, just behind Clayton Kershaw. Kuroda got through the opening three innings just fine, but of course was given no run support to work with. As usual, his luck would soon run out.
In the fourth, Carlos Beltran, who's revived his career quite nicely with a well-deserved All-Star selection this year, doubled leading off. He went to third on a groundout, but Jason Bay grounded back to the mound for two outs. Unlike the Dodgers, who are horrendous with two outs, the Mets drove the runner in on an RBI double from Lucas Duda, making it 1-0.
Somehow, the Dodgers actually got that run back in the bottom of the frame. Jamey Carroll laid down a great bunt to reach leading off. Andre Ethier forced him out at second, but Matt Kemp's single put runners on the corners. Juan Uribe got the run in on a groundout, and it was 1-1.
The Mets took the lead for good in the sixth. Again, Beltran doubled leading off. Apparently James Loney didn't get the memo that he likes to hit down the line. Daniel Murphy flied out to Eugenio Velez in left, but Velez airmailed a throw to the infield, allowing Beltran to move up. Just a horrible play overall, and made even worse when Kuroda uncorked a wild pitch to score Beltran and make it 2-1. After two more singles, Ruben Tejada's two-run double scored them both for the 4-1 lead.
About the only time the Dodgers showed any fight all night came in the bottom of the sixth where they nearly tied it up. Rafael Furcal walked, about the only positive thing he's done since coming back from injury #7,625. Carroll singled again, and Ethier went the other way with an RBI single to make it 4-2. Kemp got Carroll over to third on a grounder, and Uribe got a sac-fly RBI to go down 4-3. Kemp stole second, but Loney grounded out to end the inning.
The score remained the same until the ninth when the Dodgers' crappy bullpen gave up another run. Javy Guerra was in, and Willie Harris doubled with one out. Angel Pagan flied out, but once again the Mets came through in the clutch as Justin Turner hit an RBI single for the 5-3 lead.
Frankie Rodriguez got his 22nd save as he only gave up a single to Uribe.
Kuroda tried, but was ultimately done in by one bad inning and hardly any offensive support. He lasted six innings for eights hits, four runs, one walk, and two strikeouts. He's now 6-10 with a 3.06 ERA. That's just laughable that the guy has that many losses and that strong of an ERA. Such is life when you pitch for the Dodgers.
The offense managed only seven baserunners the entire game. In other words, it was another day at the office. Carroll had a good game with three hits, and Uribe had a couple of RBIs. Kemp stole his 25th base. That's it when it comes to highlights on the offensive end. These guys are so boring, I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep watching them.
What makes me even angrier is watching Velez stink up the joint just knowing that he's the guy who replaced Dee Gordon. I know it's a small sample size, but Velez is 0-for-6 and had that horrible throw from left in this one. There is absolutely no reason Gordon should be sent down. Especially when the guy replacing him looks lost right now. The Dodgers have to correct this soon if they have any common sense.
I'm not sure what else to even say about the Dodgers at this point. They just continue to fall deeper and deeper in the standings. Kemp and Kershaw are the only ones to fear on this team. The starting rotation is decent, the bullpen is terrible, and the hitters can't drive people in. And that's the harsh truth.
The Dodgers will look to avoid a sweep on Thursday, something I never pictured myself saying before the season started. Kershaw will get the call in his last start before becoming an All-Star. I'm sure he can't wait to get the hell out of LA and join other players who actually know how to play this game.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Garland is done for the year
Well that was quick.
Jon Garland's season is over before it barely even started, as he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. The surgery is exploratory, so he can only hope that more damage isn't found once he's under the knife. Either way, he won't be back this year.
It's a shame that Garland's season is already over, mostly because he was considered a lock to pitch lots of innings as the #5 starter. It was a good idea to sign him in theory since he has been so stable in his 12-year career, never once appearing on the DL. But even for someone who's been incredibly healthy to this point, the bottom line is a pitcher is always at risk of arm trouble just from wear and tear alone. Wouldn't you know it, this is the year it all caught up to him.
When Garland has pitched this season, it wasn't too bad. He went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched. Take away two starts in which he was bombed, and he really was the pitcher the Dodgers thought they were getting for the back end of the rotation. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
In his place will be Rubby De La Rosa, who's been filling in the starting rotation since June 7. Right now he's 3-4 with a 4.39 ERA. He's given up only four runs in 14 innings his last two starts, but zero offensive support led to loses. The stuff is definitely there, so he'll get plenty of time to adjust to the big league level as the year progresses.
Jon Garland's season is over before it barely even started, as he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. The surgery is exploratory, so he can only hope that more damage isn't found once he's under the knife. Either way, he won't be back this year.
It's a shame that Garland's season is already over, mostly because he was considered a lock to pitch lots of innings as the #5 starter. It was a good idea to sign him in theory since he has been so stable in his 12-year career, never once appearing on the DL. But even for someone who's been incredibly healthy to this point, the bottom line is a pitcher is always at risk of arm trouble just from wear and tear alone. Wouldn't you know it, this is the year it all caught up to him.
When Garland has pitched this season, it wasn't too bad. He went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched. Take away two starts in which he was bombed, and he really was the pitcher the Dodgers thought they were getting for the back end of the rotation. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
In his place will be Rubby De La Rosa, who's been filling in the starting rotation since June 7. Right now he's 3-4 with a 4.39 ERA. He's given up only four runs in 14 innings his last two starts, but zero offensive support led to loses. The stuff is definitely there, so he'll get plenty of time to adjust to the big league level as the year progresses.
Bay and the Mets slap around LA
Leave it to the Dodgers to wake up Jason Bay from his two-year hibernation.
Bay went deep twice in driving in four runs, and the Dodgers left 13 men on base in getting creamed by the Mets, 6-0. The Dodgers are now a season-high 13 games under .500 at 37-50.
Ted Lilly got the start, and he had been awful lately. Through four innings at least, he managed to keep the Mets off the board. The Mets put two men on in both the second and third, but Lilly wiggled out of trouble.
Not that it much mattered, because the Dodgers couldn't drive in a run if their lives depended on it. Matt Kemp reached on an error in the second, and soon was on third after a stolen base and groundout. Trent Oeltjen got the start for a sick Andre Ethier and struck out to end it.
Then came the third, where Lilly doubled with one out and went to third on Tony Gwynn's single. Rafael Furcal grounded back to pitcher Mike Pelfrey and Aaron Miles grounded out, once again failing with runners on.
The fourth and fifth were the icing on the cake for just how bad the Dodgers are with runners on. Kemp singled leading off the fourth. An out later, Juan Uribe doubled, sending Kemp to third. Third base coach Tim Wallach got aggressive and sent Kemp home as the throw went to second, and he was easily gunned down.
Now down 2-0 on a Carlos Beltran homer, the Dodgers wasted another golden opportunity in the fifth. With two outs, Miles was beaned, Kemp singled and stole second, and James Loney walked to load the bases. Like they've done all season, the Dodgers failed, as Uribe did hit one hard, but right to center to end the inning.
That sucked the life right out of the Dodgers, as Bay hit his first of two homers leading off the sixth to go up 3-0. Two innings later, Bay put the game away for good with a three-run shot off of Blake Hawksworth to make it 6-0. Kemp struck out against D.J. Carrasco to end the game.
Lilly hung on for awhile, but this loss can't be pinned on him. He went six innings for six hits, three runs, two walks, and three strikeouts, and he hit a double. It was a much better effort from him than we've seen recently. But when his offense fails over and over, there's nothing he can do.
The story once again came down to the Dodgers doing zip with runners on base. 13 men reached, 13 men didn't score. Of those runners left on, 10 of them were in scoring position with two outs. That's just sad.
Not having Ethier in the lineup hurt, as he was battling a high fever. Don Mattingly went with Miles in the #3 hole. I understand his reasoning that Miles was red hot in June with a .419 average, and early on in July has a .438 average. But, it still struck me as a little odd. I thought maybe moving Loney up in the order would have been a better option since a righty was on the mound and he has been hitting much better lately as well (.337 in June).
Even if the lineup was different, it most likely wouldn't have mattered. They only have one guy in Kemp who's a legit threat right now, and even he made a bad baserunning decision. There's just nothing to fear about this offense. It's not like anyone (other than Kemp) would step up and hit a big home run with runners on. That's not going to happen.
The Dodgers have five games left before the All-Star break, so getting back to 10 games under might be a realistic goal. How sad is it that I'm looking at a goal of being ONLY 10 games under .500? That's what it's come to for these guys. Hiroki Kuroda will go against Jonathon Niese on Wednesday.
Bay went deep twice in driving in four runs, and the Dodgers left 13 men on base in getting creamed by the Mets, 6-0. The Dodgers are now a season-high 13 games under .500 at 37-50.
Ted Lilly got the start, and he had been awful lately. Through four innings at least, he managed to keep the Mets off the board. The Mets put two men on in both the second and third, but Lilly wiggled out of trouble.
Not that it much mattered, because the Dodgers couldn't drive in a run if their lives depended on it. Matt Kemp reached on an error in the second, and soon was on third after a stolen base and groundout. Trent Oeltjen got the start for a sick Andre Ethier and struck out to end it.
Then came the third, where Lilly doubled with one out and went to third on Tony Gwynn's single. Rafael Furcal grounded back to pitcher Mike Pelfrey and Aaron Miles grounded out, once again failing with runners on.
The fourth and fifth were the icing on the cake for just how bad the Dodgers are with runners on. Kemp singled leading off the fourth. An out later, Juan Uribe doubled, sending Kemp to third. Third base coach Tim Wallach got aggressive and sent Kemp home as the throw went to second, and he was easily gunned down.
Now down 2-0 on a Carlos Beltran homer, the Dodgers wasted another golden opportunity in the fifth. With two outs, Miles was beaned, Kemp singled and stole second, and James Loney walked to load the bases. Like they've done all season, the Dodgers failed, as Uribe did hit one hard, but right to center to end the inning.
That sucked the life right out of the Dodgers, as Bay hit his first of two homers leading off the sixth to go up 3-0. Two innings later, Bay put the game away for good with a three-run shot off of Blake Hawksworth to make it 6-0. Kemp struck out against D.J. Carrasco to end the game.
Lilly hung on for awhile, but this loss can't be pinned on him. He went six innings for six hits, three runs, two walks, and three strikeouts, and he hit a double. It was a much better effort from him than we've seen recently. But when his offense fails over and over, there's nothing he can do.
The story once again came down to the Dodgers doing zip with runners on base. 13 men reached, 13 men didn't score. Of those runners left on, 10 of them were in scoring position with two outs. That's just sad.
Not having Ethier in the lineup hurt, as he was battling a high fever. Don Mattingly went with Miles in the #3 hole. I understand his reasoning that Miles was red hot in June with a .419 average, and early on in July has a .438 average. But, it still struck me as a little odd. I thought maybe moving Loney up in the order would have been a better option since a righty was on the mound and he has been hitting much better lately as well (.337 in June).
Even if the lineup was different, it most likely wouldn't have mattered. They only have one guy in Kemp who's a legit threat right now, and even he made a bad baserunning decision. There's just nothing to fear about this offense. It's not like anyone (other than Kemp) would step up and hit a big home run with runners on. That's not going to happen.
The Dodgers have five games left before the All-Star break, so getting back to 10 games under might be a realistic goal. How sad is it that I'm looking at a goal of being ONLY 10 games under .500? That's what it's come to for these guys. Hiroki Kuroda will go against Jonathon Niese on Wednesday.
Monday, July 4, 2011
From flawless to losing in a heartbeat
Rubby De La Rosa could not have asked for a better start to Monday night's game in Dodger Stadium. Staked to a 2-0 lead, he held the Mets hitless through five innings. It looked like it was going to be a big Fourth of July.
Three runs on four hits later, the Mets took the lead in the sixth and didn't look back. The end result was typical: a 5-2 loss for the Dodgers.
This game was a good indication of just how poorly things have gone for the Dodgers this year. Even when they cruised through the opening half of this game, you couldn't help but get the feeling that the tide would somehow turn. Call it pessimistic, but it turned out to be true.
The Dodgers got on the board in the second. Mr. Everything Matt Kemp doubled leading off, once again showing how he's the bright star in a huge dark cloud. Juan Uribe predictably didn't get on, but his grounder did get Kemp to third. Aaron Miles struck out, but James Loney picked him up with an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
Loney chipped in again in the fourth. Kemp walked leading off, and Uribe actually got a hit for the first time since his San Francisco days with a single. Yes, that was sarcasm, but it sadly seems true. Miles has had a great year, but he again failed with runners on by popping up. Loney lined one just into center for another RBI to make it 2-0.
At this point through five innings, De La Rosa had only walked Carlos Beltran in the fourth with two down. Ruben Tejada took a high breaking ball leading off the sixth for a single into left, and there went the no-hitter. There went the lead as well, as Chris Capuano's sacrifice led to an RBI double by Angel Pagan. After the second out, two straight RBI doubles by Beltran and David Murphy gave the Mets a 3-2 lead.
Instead of fighting back from what was at the time only a one-run deficit, but offense rolled over and played dead, as they went down in order the next three innings. Way to play some inspired baseball, boys.
The Mets took advantage of that in the eighth. Scott Elbert came on and watched Pagan double and then Justin Turner get beaned. He got the next two out to make it runners on the corners with two outs. Don Mattingly brought in Matt Guerrier, who was signed to a big free agent contract this past winter for situations like this. So of course, he gave up two straight RBI singles to Jason Bay and Lucas Duda to run the score to 5-2.
Miles doubled leading off the ninth off of Francisco Rodriguez, but that was it. The newest Dodger Eugenio Velez struck out to end the game. He's the guy who replaced Dee Gordon, who was sent back down to Triple-A. Apparently the Dodgers would much rather watch old, washed up nobodies than young, exciting players. In other words, I'm not at all a fan of Gordon being sent down.
De La Rosa ended up going seven innings for five hits, three runs, one walk, and five strikeouts. He just lost his location big time in the sixth. Still, he's given up only four runs in his last two starts, covering 14 innings. His ERA has gone from 5.26 to 4.31. And of course, he has two losses to show for it thanks to the piss poor Dodger offense.
In addition to the offense, the bullpen was terrible. Elbert got charged with both runs in the eighth, increasing his ERA to 5.26. Maybe he should take another year off. And then another and another. Guerrier has a 4.24 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Not terrible numbers, but not at all worth the contract he's getting. He's been a disappointment.
When breaking down the numbers in this game, look no further than hitting with runners in scoring position. The Mets went 5-for-10, the Dodgers went 2-for-14. Even for a bad offense, that's pathetic. Loney's two RBI singles were it. Kemp was on base three times. The rest were awful.
The Dodgers had plenty of reasons to feel good about this game. The Mets had to travel across country after playing home yesterday, and they were without Jose Reyes. The Dodgers were only in Anaheim yesterday, and had Rafael Furcal back from his latest injury. But the Mets play with fire and grit, something the Dodgers have barely shown this year. And it's only getting worse.
These teams will go it three more times. On Tuesday, Ted Lilly will get the ball, and he's been horrendous his last three starts. He'll go against Mike Pelfrey.
Three runs on four hits later, the Mets took the lead in the sixth and didn't look back. The end result was typical: a 5-2 loss for the Dodgers.
This game was a good indication of just how poorly things have gone for the Dodgers this year. Even when they cruised through the opening half of this game, you couldn't help but get the feeling that the tide would somehow turn. Call it pessimistic, but it turned out to be true.
The Dodgers got on the board in the second. Mr. Everything Matt Kemp doubled leading off, once again showing how he's the bright star in a huge dark cloud. Juan Uribe predictably didn't get on, but his grounder did get Kemp to third. Aaron Miles struck out, but James Loney picked him up with an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
Loney chipped in again in the fourth. Kemp walked leading off, and Uribe actually got a hit for the first time since his San Francisco days with a single. Yes, that was sarcasm, but it sadly seems true. Miles has had a great year, but he again failed with runners on by popping up. Loney lined one just into center for another RBI to make it 2-0.
At this point through five innings, De La Rosa had only walked Carlos Beltran in the fourth with two down. Ruben Tejada took a high breaking ball leading off the sixth for a single into left, and there went the no-hitter. There went the lead as well, as Chris Capuano's sacrifice led to an RBI double by Angel Pagan. After the second out, two straight RBI doubles by Beltran and David Murphy gave the Mets a 3-2 lead.
Instead of fighting back from what was at the time only a one-run deficit, but offense rolled over and played dead, as they went down in order the next three innings. Way to play some inspired baseball, boys.
The Mets took advantage of that in the eighth. Scott Elbert came on and watched Pagan double and then Justin Turner get beaned. He got the next two out to make it runners on the corners with two outs. Don Mattingly brought in Matt Guerrier, who was signed to a big free agent contract this past winter for situations like this. So of course, he gave up two straight RBI singles to Jason Bay and Lucas Duda to run the score to 5-2.
Miles doubled leading off the ninth off of Francisco Rodriguez, but that was it. The newest Dodger Eugenio Velez struck out to end the game. He's the guy who replaced Dee Gordon, who was sent back down to Triple-A. Apparently the Dodgers would much rather watch old, washed up nobodies than young, exciting players. In other words, I'm not at all a fan of Gordon being sent down.
De La Rosa ended up going seven innings for five hits, three runs, one walk, and five strikeouts. He just lost his location big time in the sixth. Still, he's given up only four runs in his last two starts, covering 14 innings. His ERA has gone from 5.26 to 4.31. And of course, he has two losses to show for it thanks to the piss poor Dodger offense.
In addition to the offense, the bullpen was terrible. Elbert got charged with both runs in the eighth, increasing his ERA to 5.26. Maybe he should take another year off. And then another and another. Guerrier has a 4.24 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Not terrible numbers, but not at all worth the contract he's getting. He's been a disappointment.
When breaking down the numbers in this game, look no further than hitting with runners in scoring position. The Mets went 5-for-10, the Dodgers went 2-for-14. Even for a bad offense, that's pathetic. Loney's two RBI singles were it. Kemp was on base three times. The rest were awful.
The Dodgers had plenty of reasons to feel good about this game. The Mets had to travel across country after playing home yesterday, and they were without Jose Reyes. The Dodgers were only in Anaheim yesterday, and had Rafael Furcal back from his latest injury. But the Mets play with fire and grit, something the Dodgers have barely shown this year. And it's only getting worse.
These teams will go it three more times. On Tuesday, Ted Lilly will get the ball, and he's been horrendous his last three starts. He'll go against Mike Pelfrey.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Kemp and Kershaw are first time All-Stars
The All-Stars have been announced, and congratulations go out to Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw for representing the Dodgers. Each will be going for the first time, and Kemp will earn a starting nod in the outfield.
There's really no surprise here, as despite the mediocre year the Dodgers have had, Kemp and Kershaw have still managed to shine. Where would this team be without Kemp in center everyday and Kershaw going every five days? I can't even imagine.
Kemp has done it all this year, and is an early MVP candidate because of it. Check out his stats: .327 AVG, .401 OBP, 52 runs, 92 hits, 22 homers, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 64 RBIs, 43 walks, and 22 stolen bases. Wow, that's quite a year, and it's only halfway over.
Kershaw has morphed into the unquestioned ace of the staff in his fourth season. He's thrown 122 2/3 innings for an 8-4 record, 3.23 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 97 hits, and 138 strikeouts. Plus, he's thrown three complete games, with two of them shutouts.
One more person who has a chance to be an All-Star is Andre Ethier, who is on on the Final Vote along with Ian Kennedy, Shane Victorino, Michael Morse, and Todd Helton. If elected, it would be Ethier's second straight appearance.
There's really no surprise here, as despite the mediocre year the Dodgers have had, Kemp and Kershaw have still managed to shine. Where would this team be without Kemp in center everyday and Kershaw going every five days? I can't even imagine.
Kemp has done it all this year, and is an early MVP candidate because of it. Check out his stats: .327 AVG, .401 OBP, 52 runs, 92 hits, 22 homers, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 64 RBIs, 43 walks, and 22 stolen bases. Wow, that's quite a year, and it's only halfway over.
Kershaw has morphed into the unquestioned ace of the staff in his fourth season. He's thrown 122 2/3 innings for an 8-4 record, 3.23 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 97 hits, and 138 strikeouts. Plus, he's thrown three complete games, with two of them shutouts.
One more person who has a chance to be an All-Star is Andre Ethier, who is on on the Final Vote along with Ian Kennedy, Shane Victorino, Michael Morse, and Todd Helton. If elected, it would be Ethier's second straight appearance.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
At long last, Kuroda gets some support
For the first time since May 17, Hiroki Kuroda can actually thank his offense.
The Dodgers scattered 13 hits, stole four bases, and Kuroda went seven strong in shutting out the Angels, 5-0. He had been on a six-game losing streak, which was in large part due to incredibly poor run support. Single runs in the first four innings were all he needed to win this one.
Tony Gwynn led off the game with a double, part of his huge 3-for-3 night with three walks. Casey Blake sacrificed him over to third, and Andre Ethier lifted a sac-fly RBI to center for the early 1-0 lead.
Aaron Miles started the second with a single, and he too had a big game by going 4-for-4 with a walk. Trent Oeltjen and A.J. Ellis both got out, but Dee Gordon kept the inning alive with a single to left. Gwynn collected an RBI with a single to shallow left, and it was 2-0.
The Dodgers just kept adding to the score the next couple of innings. In the third, Ethier singled leading off and went to second on Matt Kemp's groundout. Miles came through with an RBI single, making it 3-0.
The score became 4-0 in the fourth. Gwynn legged out a beautiful bunt with one down. Blake then grounded one to Alberto Callaspo at short, and his throw was off the mark, allowing Gwynn to hustle to third. Ethier was then beaned in the leg to load 'em up. Kemp got enough of one for a sac-fly RBI to score a run.
The last run was scored in the seventh, and it was all thanks to some great baserunning by the speedy Gordon and Gwynn. Ellis led off and was drilled. Gordon's grounder forced him at second, but Gordon soon stole second. After Gwynn drew another walk, Gordon went to third on an attempted throw behind for runners on the corners. On a double steal attempt, Gwynn avoided a tag in a rundown as Gordon scampered home to steal a run and make it a 5-0 lead.
All the while, Kuroda was magnificent, never letting any baserunner to cause any damage. He finished at seven innings pitched for three hits, no runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. It's almost laughable that his record is only 6-9 with a sparkling 2.90 ERA. If the National League is looking at more pitchers for the All-Star game, he still deserves some serious attention. It's not his fault that his offense hasn't backed him up on numerous occasions.
Mike MacDougal came on in the eighth and things got a bit dicey for a little. Macier Izturis and Callaspo each singled with one out. Bobby Abreu grounded into a fielder's choice to put runners on the corners. On a 3-0 count, Vernon Wells swung away and grounded to second.
Javy Guerra gave up a leadoff single in the ninth, but struck out Hank Conger to end the game in the non-save situation. His ERA is now down to 2.20 after another successful appearance.
While Kuroda was awesome, the combination of Gwynn and Miles were literally perfect all night. 11 plate appearances, 11 times on base. Can it get any better? Doesn't seem so. Gwynn has enjoyed life as a leadoff hitter in recent games. He had three hits last Sunday, four on Monday, two walks on Tuesday, and now six times on base on Friday. His OBP at the start of June was .244, and now it's shot all the way up to .318. Great stuff.
As for Miles, he just continues to do everything the Dodgers can ask of him. He's hit in many spots at the top and bottom of the lineup, plays second and third base, and starts or comes off the bench. All the while, he's hitting .324 with only three errors. As a non-roster invitee coming into the season, he's been one of the most valuable players on the team. Much like Jamey Carroll, his versatility has been clutch.
It's no secret that the Dodgers haven't enjoyed much success in the Freeway Series, so getting any win against the hated Angels is a positive. Shutting them out in their own house is even better. Now, the key is to not turn this into a Twins situation, in which the Dodgers won the first game easily (remember 15-0?) and then dropped the next two. Getting a weekend game will be key.
Saturday's matchup will be a rematch of the great duel last Sunday between Clayton Kershaw and Jared Weaver. The Dodgers eeked that one out... with a little assist from the guys calling the game. Hopefully this time they won't be needed for a win.
The Dodgers scattered 13 hits, stole four bases, and Kuroda went seven strong in shutting out the Angels, 5-0. He had been on a six-game losing streak, which was in large part due to incredibly poor run support. Single runs in the first four innings were all he needed to win this one.
Tony Gwynn led off the game with a double, part of his huge 3-for-3 night with three walks. Casey Blake sacrificed him over to third, and Andre Ethier lifted a sac-fly RBI to center for the early 1-0 lead.
Aaron Miles started the second with a single, and he too had a big game by going 4-for-4 with a walk. Trent Oeltjen and A.J. Ellis both got out, but Dee Gordon kept the inning alive with a single to left. Gwynn collected an RBI with a single to shallow left, and it was 2-0.
The Dodgers just kept adding to the score the next couple of innings. In the third, Ethier singled leading off and went to second on Matt Kemp's groundout. Miles came through with an RBI single, making it 3-0.
The score became 4-0 in the fourth. Gwynn legged out a beautiful bunt with one down. Blake then grounded one to Alberto Callaspo at short, and his throw was off the mark, allowing Gwynn to hustle to third. Ethier was then beaned in the leg to load 'em up. Kemp got enough of one for a sac-fly RBI to score a run.
The last run was scored in the seventh, and it was all thanks to some great baserunning by the speedy Gordon and Gwynn. Ellis led off and was drilled. Gordon's grounder forced him at second, but Gordon soon stole second. After Gwynn drew another walk, Gordon went to third on an attempted throw behind for runners on the corners. On a double steal attempt, Gwynn avoided a tag in a rundown as Gordon scampered home to steal a run and make it a 5-0 lead.
All the while, Kuroda was magnificent, never letting any baserunner to cause any damage. He finished at seven innings pitched for three hits, no runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. It's almost laughable that his record is only 6-9 with a sparkling 2.90 ERA. If the National League is looking at more pitchers for the All-Star game, he still deserves some serious attention. It's not his fault that his offense hasn't backed him up on numerous occasions.
Mike MacDougal came on in the eighth and things got a bit dicey for a little. Macier Izturis and Callaspo each singled with one out. Bobby Abreu grounded into a fielder's choice to put runners on the corners. On a 3-0 count, Vernon Wells swung away and grounded to second.
Javy Guerra gave up a leadoff single in the ninth, but struck out Hank Conger to end the game in the non-save situation. His ERA is now down to 2.20 after another successful appearance.
While Kuroda was awesome, the combination of Gwynn and Miles were literally perfect all night. 11 plate appearances, 11 times on base. Can it get any better? Doesn't seem so. Gwynn has enjoyed life as a leadoff hitter in recent games. He had three hits last Sunday, four on Monday, two walks on Tuesday, and now six times on base on Friday. His OBP at the start of June was .244, and now it's shot all the way up to .318. Great stuff.
As for Miles, he just continues to do everything the Dodgers can ask of him. He's hit in many spots at the top and bottom of the lineup, plays second and third base, and starts or comes off the bench. All the while, he's hitting .324 with only three errors. As a non-roster invitee coming into the season, he's been one of the most valuable players on the team. Much like Jamey Carroll, his versatility has been clutch.
It's no secret that the Dodgers haven't enjoyed much success in the Freeway Series, so getting any win against the hated Angels is a positive. Shutting them out in their own house is even better. Now, the key is to not turn this into a Twins situation, in which the Dodgers won the first game easily (remember 15-0?) and then dropped the next two. Getting a weekend game will be key.
Saturday's matchup will be a rematch of the great duel last Sunday between Clayton Kershaw and Jared Weaver. The Dodgers eeked that one out... with a little assist from the guys calling the game. Hopefully this time they won't be needed for a win.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
De La Rosa sharp, but that bats aren't
If you wanted to know anything about the 2011 season for the Dodgers, just take a look at these last three games in Minnesota: 15 runs one night, 4 the next, and 0 in the last.
The end result is simple - two losses in three games, despite winning one by 15.
Rubby De La Rosa did all he could, but the offense must have still been in bed, as Scott Baker completely shut the Dodgers down for the win, 1-0. The Dodgers are back to 10 games under .500 at 36-46.
The scoring happened quick, and ended just as quickly. Baker struck out the side to open the game, which was the ultimate symbolism for the rest of the way. Ben Revere led off for the Twins and cranked a triple over Andre Ethier's head in right. Tsuyoshi Nishioka hit a little dribbler that got the speedy Revere home for the 1-0 lead.
That, my friends, was all she wrote for scoring on this day. The Dodgers had no answers for Baker, who's a decent pitcher, but certainly not like a Cliff Lee or C.C. Sabathia. Although, the Dodgers have a tendency to make the most mediocre of pitchers look like gold... just like today.
There weren't a whole lot of threats to score considering the Dodgers only had seven hits and one walk. In the second, James Loney singled with one down, and Marcus Thames did the same an out later. Dioner Navarro flew out to center to end it.
In the third, Dee Gordon singled and took second on a sacrifice bunt by Tony Gwynn. I say "sacrifice," but it looked like Baker missed the tag of a diving Gwynn at first. Gordon then stole third and had a great chance to score with one down. Sure enough, Casey Blake popped up, and Ethier struck out for the final out.
Matt Kemp doubled to deep center off the glove of Revere with two outs in the sixth. He then stole third, and again the Dodgers had a chance with a runner on third. And once again they failed, as Loney grounded out.
Matt Capps came on and earned his 13th save, allowing only a single to the pinch-hitting Trent Oeltjen.
It's a shame De La Rosa got no support, because he bounced back nicely after a rough couple of innings to start the game. He ended up lasting seven innings for six hits, one run, two walks, and four strikeouts. It was easily his best game as a big leaguer, and his previous high was six innings. The Twins don't exactly have a powerful lineup, but De La Rosa still showed something here.
The offensive numbers are ugly, not that I really needed to tell you that after looking at the box score. The top three in the order of Gwynn, Blake, and Ethier combined to go 0-for-10 with a walk and sacrifice. Yuck. Nobody had a multi-hit game, and they struck out 11 times. Eight men reached base, and eight men were stranded. I'm pretty sure that means they scored no runs.
With the way this season has gone, I don't think anybody should be too surprised that the same team that put up a 15-spot one night ended up losing the next two games. The only thing consistent about the Dodgers is that they're inconsistent, if that makes any sense. They just aren't good enough to go on a stretch of wins. They haven't shown that ability yet.
Thursday will be an off day for the Dodgers before traveling to Anaheim for the second part of the Freeway Series with the Angels. The Dodgers dropped two of three against them last week. Hiroki Kuroda, winless since May 17, will go in the first game on Friday.
The end result is simple - two losses in three games, despite winning one by 15.
Rubby De La Rosa did all he could, but the offense must have still been in bed, as Scott Baker completely shut the Dodgers down for the win, 1-0. The Dodgers are back to 10 games under .500 at 36-46.
The scoring happened quick, and ended just as quickly. Baker struck out the side to open the game, which was the ultimate symbolism for the rest of the way. Ben Revere led off for the Twins and cranked a triple over Andre Ethier's head in right. Tsuyoshi Nishioka hit a little dribbler that got the speedy Revere home for the 1-0 lead.
That, my friends, was all she wrote for scoring on this day. The Dodgers had no answers for Baker, who's a decent pitcher, but certainly not like a Cliff Lee or C.C. Sabathia. Although, the Dodgers have a tendency to make the most mediocre of pitchers look like gold... just like today.
There weren't a whole lot of threats to score considering the Dodgers only had seven hits and one walk. In the second, James Loney singled with one down, and Marcus Thames did the same an out later. Dioner Navarro flew out to center to end it.
In the third, Dee Gordon singled and took second on a sacrifice bunt by Tony Gwynn. I say "sacrifice," but it looked like Baker missed the tag of a diving Gwynn at first. Gordon then stole third and had a great chance to score with one down. Sure enough, Casey Blake popped up, and Ethier struck out for the final out.
Matt Kemp doubled to deep center off the glove of Revere with two outs in the sixth. He then stole third, and again the Dodgers had a chance with a runner on third. And once again they failed, as Loney grounded out.
Matt Capps came on and earned his 13th save, allowing only a single to the pinch-hitting Trent Oeltjen.
It's a shame De La Rosa got no support, because he bounced back nicely after a rough couple of innings to start the game. He ended up lasting seven innings for six hits, one run, two walks, and four strikeouts. It was easily his best game as a big leaguer, and his previous high was six innings. The Twins don't exactly have a powerful lineup, but De La Rosa still showed something here.
The offensive numbers are ugly, not that I really needed to tell you that after looking at the box score. The top three in the order of Gwynn, Blake, and Ethier combined to go 0-for-10 with a walk and sacrifice. Yuck. Nobody had a multi-hit game, and they struck out 11 times. Eight men reached base, and eight men were stranded. I'm pretty sure that means they scored no runs.
With the way this season has gone, I don't think anybody should be too surprised that the same team that put up a 15-spot one night ended up losing the next two games. The only thing consistent about the Dodgers is that they're inconsistent, if that makes any sense. They just aren't good enough to go on a stretch of wins. They haven't shown that ability yet.
Thursday will be an off day for the Dodgers before traveling to Anaheim for the second part of the Freeway Series with the Angels. The Dodgers dropped two of three against them last week. Hiroki Kuroda, winless since May 17, will go in the first game on Friday.
Lilly struggles again in falling to Twins
Ted Lilly started poorly, was given a reprieve, and then failed to keep the Dodgers in the game as they fell to the Twins, 6-4. One night after torching the Twins for 15 runs and 25 hits, the offense failed to do anything against the Twins' bullpen for the final four innings.
Knowing that the Twins had something to prove after getting absolutely obliterated and embarrassed the night before, it was important for Lilly to keep his club in the game. That didn't exactly happen, as the Twins struck right away. Ben Revere singled leading off, and Alexi Casilla laid down a great bunt for two on. Revere then stole third and scored on Joe Mauer's RBI single.
After the Dodgers went down in order again, the Twins got more runs in the second. Old friend Jason Repko singled to start. Following a flyout, he stole second, and took third on a groundout. Revere came through again with an RBI single and 2-0 lead. Revere stole second for his second swipe of the game, and scored on Casilla's RBI double to go up 3-0.
The Dodgers eventually got on the board in the fourth. Tony Gwynn, who's been great in the leadoff spot the last few games, walked leading off and took second on a passed ball. Casey Blake worked a walk, and Andre Ethier forced Blake at second on a grounder, putting Gwynn at third. Matt Kemp lifted a sac-fly RBI to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Twins got that run right back in the bottom of the frame. Repko was beaned leading off, and Lilly again allowed a stolen base. Ron Rivera's RBI single made it 4-1, and it once again showed Lilly's lack of ability to hold runners on. In all, the Twins stole four bases.
Down by three, the Dodgers' offense woke up to tie the game in the fifth. With one down, they got an unlikely solo homer from Aaron Miles to make it 4-2. Not only was that his first homer of the year, but first one since 2008! A.J. Ellis then singled, Jamey Carroll walked, and Blake walked an out later. With two down, Ethier came though with a two-run single to start the game fresh.
Lilly hadn't exactly pitched that well up to this point, but still only in the fifth inning, Don Mattingly kept him in. It worked through the first two batters for a couple outs, but Danny Valencia singled to keep the inning alive. Luke Hughes, who's had all of two homers in 48 career games up to this point, made Lilly pay with a two-run shot to grab the lead back at 6-4.
Juan Uribe led off the sixth by getting beaned, and the Twins turned the game over to their beleaguered bullpen. Alex Burnett got Marcus Thames to ground into a double play right away, not that I'm surprised about that. Thames is terrible and should be released. He's hitting .197 with two homers and seven RBIs. Pathetic.
The Dodgers had a scoring opportunity in the seventh, but ran into the final out. Carroll singled with one down, which brought Glen Perkins into the game. Carroll went to second on Gwynn's groundout. With two down, Blake singled, and Carroll tried to score but was gunned down at the plate.
Matt Capps came on for the save, and he gave up walks to Trent Oeltjen and Gwynn. Blake grounded into a fielder's choice to end the game and give Capps his 12th save of the season.
The Dodgers did a good job in fighting back, but Lilly didn't do his part. He lasted only 4 2/3 innings for nine hits, six runs, no walks, and no strikeouts. It's not often you see a starting pitcher not record at least one strikeout. As I've said in the past, I don't get the sense at all that hitters are scared to face him. I know he's a control guy and won't throw hard, but he looks like he's pitching batting practice half the time. A 4.97 ERA and 5-8 record reflects that.
Lilly really needs to step up at some point. He made a few good starts at the end of May and into June, but he's gotten crushed his last three starts for three straight L's. With Jon Garland out and Rubby De La Rosa going through the ups and downs of a rookie, the Dodgers sure look like a three deep rotation now. Even Hiroki Kuroda can't get a win, but that's more the fault of the offense.
Wednesday afternoon's game will be the rubber match, as the Dodgers will look to take their second straight Interleague series. De La Rosa will get the call against Scott Baker.
Knowing that the Twins had something to prove after getting absolutely obliterated and embarrassed the night before, it was important for Lilly to keep his club in the game. That didn't exactly happen, as the Twins struck right away. Ben Revere singled leading off, and Alexi Casilla laid down a great bunt for two on. Revere then stole third and scored on Joe Mauer's RBI single.
After the Dodgers went down in order again, the Twins got more runs in the second. Old friend Jason Repko singled to start. Following a flyout, he stole second, and took third on a groundout. Revere came through again with an RBI single and 2-0 lead. Revere stole second for his second swipe of the game, and scored on Casilla's RBI double to go up 3-0.
The Dodgers eventually got on the board in the fourth. Tony Gwynn, who's been great in the leadoff spot the last few games, walked leading off and took second on a passed ball. Casey Blake worked a walk, and Andre Ethier forced Blake at second on a grounder, putting Gwynn at third. Matt Kemp lifted a sac-fly RBI to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Twins got that run right back in the bottom of the frame. Repko was beaned leading off, and Lilly again allowed a stolen base. Ron Rivera's RBI single made it 4-1, and it once again showed Lilly's lack of ability to hold runners on. In all, the Twins stole four bases.
Down by three, the Dodgers' offense woke up to tie the game in the fifth. With one down, they got an unlikely solo homer from Aaron Miles to make it 4-2. Not only was that his first homer of the year, but first one since 2008! A.J. Ellis then singled, Jamey Carroll walked, and Blake walked an out later. With two down, Ethier came though with a two-run single to start the game fresh.
Lilly hadn't exactly pitched that well up to this point, but still only in the fifth inning, Don Mattingly kept him in. It worked through the first two batters for a couple outs, but Danny Valencia singled to keep the inning alive. Luke Hughes, who's had all of two homers in 48 career games up to this point, made Lilly pay with a two-run shot to grab the lead back at 6-4.
Juan Uribe led off the sixth by getting beaned, and the Twins turned the game over to their beleaguered bullpen. Alex Burnett got Marcus Thames to ground into a double play right away, not that I'm surprised about that. Thames is terrible and should be released. He's hitting .197 with two homers and seven RBIs. Pathetic.
The Dodgers had a scoring opportunity in the seventh, but ran into the final out. Carroll singled with one down, which brought Glen Perkins into the game. Carroll went to second on Gwynn's groundout. With two down, Blake singled, and Carroll tried to score but was gunned down at the plate.
Matt Capps came on for the save, and he gave up walks to Trent Oeltjen and Gwynn. Blake grounded into a fielder's choice to end the game and give Capps his 12th save of the season.
The Dodgers did a good job in fighting back, but Lilly didn't do his part. He lasted only 4 2/3 innings for nine hits, six runs, no walks, and no strikeouts. It's not often you see a starting pitcher not record at least one strikeout. As I've said in the past, I don't get the sense at all that hitters are scared to face him. I know he's a control guy and won't throw hard, but he looks like he's pitching batting practice half the time. A 4.97 ERA and 5-8 record reflects that.
Lilly really needs to step up at some point. He made a few good starts at the end of May and into June, but he's gotten crushed his last three starts for three straight L's. With Jon Garland out and Rubby De La Rosa going through the ups and downs of a rookie, the Dodgers sure look like a three deep rotation now. Even Hiroki Kuroda can't get a win, but that's more the fault of the offense.
Wednesday afternoon's game will be the rubber match, as the Dodgers will look to take their second straight Interleague series. De La Rosa will get the call against Scott Baker.
Monday, June 27, 2011
15 runs, 25 hits... yup, it was a good night
Bankruptcy? What bankruptcy?
Despite all of the negative news surrounding the Dodgers today, the actual team went onto the field and kicked the crap out of the Twins on Monday night, 15-0. Needless to say, it was a season high in runs and hits for a Dodgers team that has never been confused with an offensive powerhouse this season.
Even though the Twins looked like they were dead in the water, they still sent a very solid Nick Blackburn to the mound, sporting a 3.15 ERA. Tony Gwynn got another start in the leadoff spot, and he singled and stole second opening the game. A groundout by Casey Blake advanced him to third. Andre Ethier grounded one up the middle to score a run, and he reached on an error. An RBI double by Matt Kemp made it 2-0.
From there, the Dodgers just methodically tore apart the Twins, who appeared to want nothing to do with fighting back. Back-to-back singles by Ethier and Kemp with two outs kept the third inning going, and James Loney's RBI single made it 3-0.
Trent Oeltjen had a huge night, and he launched his first homer of the season leading off the fourth. Blake added an RBI single, and it was 5-0.
The fifth and sixth brought five more runs, and ended any chance of a Twins' comeback. In the fifth, A.J. Ellis got in on the fun with an RBI single. With Anthony Swarzak relieving Blackburn, Dee Gordon's RBI single made it 7-0. A wild pitch soon sent Ellis home to score. Juan Uribe added an RBI single, and Oeltjen's sac-fly RBI in the sixth made it 10-0.
Do you happen to notice I'm typing the phrase "RBI single" over and over? Well, Blake and Kemp got runs the easy way in the seventh with solo home runs. For Blake it was his fourth, and for Kemp it was an NL-leading 22nd, one ahead of the mighty Prince Fielder.
The final runs were scored in the eighth. Oeltjen continued his hot night with a leadoff triple. Ellis walked, and Gordon added an RBI double for the 13-0 lead. A single by Gwynn and sac-fly by Dioner Navarro finally put an end to this one at 15-0.
The final tally shows some awesome numbers. The Dodgers scored in every inning but two, and had at least one runner on in every inning. They hung 12 hits and eight runs (seven earned) on Blackburn, raising his ERA to 3.64. The Twins' bullpen gave up another 12 hits for seven runs.
Lost in all of this was the great job by Chad Billingsley and company on the mound. Bills went six innings for four hits, no runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. He's won his last two starts (the Reds being the other one) for a combined 11 1/3 innings of only one-run ball. He's also lowered his ERA from 4.65 to 4.22.
The bullpen was untouchable... literally. Blake Hawksworth, Hong-Chih Kuo, and Scott Elbert pitched the final three innings of perfect ball, save for an error in the ninth by Gordon. Hawksworth struck out the side, and Kuo and Elbert had two apiece. That's some serious flames thrown.
I'm sure the Dodgers would like to put this game into a bottle and cork it, because it was everything they could have possibly asked for. Leadoff hitting, two-out rallies, sacrifices, some power hits, stolen bases, double plays turned, and big pitching. After a lousy 4-8 homestand, maybe getting away is what they needed. It sure looked that way tonight.
The headlines on Tuesday morning will still be about the McCourt family drama, and that's just reality. But, at least the side note will be about the team on the field absolutely going to town in Minnesota. It makes for a good story about the team not being affected by the idiot owners.
The Dodgers have two more games in Minnesota, and I'm sure they're looking at that as a good thing right now. Ted Lilly will go to the mound on Tuesday.
Despite all of the negative news surrounding the Dodgers today, the actual team went onto the field and kicked the crap out of the Twins on Monday night, 15-0. Needless to say, it was a season high in runs and hits for a Dodgers team that has never been confused with an offensive powerhouse this season.
Even though the Twins looked like they were dead in the water, they still sent a very solid Nick Blackburn to the mound, sporting a 3.15 ERA. Tony Gwynn got another start in the leadoff spot, and he singled and stole second opening the game. A groundout by Casey Blake advanced him to third. Andre Ethier grounded one up the middle to score a run, and he reached on an error. An RBI double by Matt Kemp made it 2-0.
From there, the Dodgers just methodically tore apart the Twins, who appeared to want nothing to do with fighting back. Back-to-back singles by Ethier and Kemp with two outs kept the third inning going, and James Loney's RBI single made it 3-0.
Trent Oeltjen had a huge night, and he launched his first homer of the season leading off the fourth. Blake added an RBI single, and it was 5-0.
The fifth and sixth brought five more runs, and ended any chance of a Twins' comeback. In the fifth, A.J. Ellis got in on the fun with an RBI single. With Anthony Swarzak relieving Blackburn, Dee Gordon's RBI single made it 7-0. A wild pitch soon sent Ellis home to score. Juan Uribe added an RBI single, and Oeltjen's sac-fly RBI in the sixth made it 10-0.
Do you happen to notice I'm typing the phrase "RBI single" over and over? Well, Blake and Kemp got runs the easy way in the seventh with solo home runs. For Blake it was his fourth, and for Kemp it was an NL-leading 22nd, one ahead of the mighty Prince Fielder.
The final runs were scored in the eighth. Oeltjen continued his hot night with a leadoff triple. Ellis walked, and Gordon added an RBI double for the 13-0 lead. A single by Gwynn and sac-fly by Dioner Navarro finally put an end to this one at 15-0.
The final tally shows some awesome numbers. The Dodgers scored in every inning but two, and had at least one runner on in every inning. They hung 12 hits and eight runs (seven earned) on Blackburn, raising his ERA to 3.64. The Twins' bullpen gave up another 12 hits for seven runs.
Lost in all of this was the great job by Chad Billingsley and company on the mound. Bills went six innings for four hits, no runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. He's won his last two starts (the Reds being the other one) for a combined 11 1/3 innings of only one-run ball. He's also lowered his ERA from 4.65 to 4.22.
The bullpen was untouchable... literally. Blake Hawksworth, Hong-Chih Kuo, and Scott Elbert pitched the final three innings of perfect ball, save for an error in the ninth by Gordon. Hawksworth struck out the side, and Kuo and Elbert had two apiece. That's some serious flames thrown.
I'm sure the Dodgers would like to put this game into a bottle and cork it, because it was everything they could have possibly asked for. Leadoff hitting, two-out rallies, sacrifices, some power hits, stolen bases, double plays turned, and big pitching. After a lousy 4-8 homestand, maybe getting away is what they needed. It sure looked that way tonight.
The headlines on Tuesday morning will still be about the McCourt family drama, and that's just reality. But, at least the side note will be about the team on the field absolutely going to town in Minnesota. It makes for a good story about the team not being affected by the idiot owners.
The Dodgers have two more games in Minnesota, and I'm sure they're looking at that as a good thing right now. Ted Lilly will go to the mound on Tuesday.
Dodgers fight back for a W... with some help
Dee Gordon used his legs to get the Dodgers back into the game in the ninth inning on Sunday.
He also used the help of the boys in blue calling the game.
Two very close calls went the Dodgers' way, as Gordon's steal of second and scamper to home on a sacrifice fly tied the game, and Tony Gwynn's walk-off single gave the Dodgers a victory over the Angels, 3-2. The win closes out the homestand at 4-8.
The game featured a matchup of two stud aces in Clayton Kershaw and Jared Weaver, and boy did they not disappoint. Unless you're a fan of hitting, that is. You can take the opening six frames and throw them out since nobody could score.
The Angels were the first team to break through in the seventh. Erik Aybar led off with a double. Howie Kendrick then lifted a sinking liner to Matt Kemp in center, but Kemp's dive was unsuccessful as Aybar scored to go up 1-0. Playing the ball straight up would have held him at third, but you can't fault Kemp's effort.
In the bottom of the inning, the Dodgers tied it right up. With two down, Kershaw was given the go-ahead to hit, even though this would normally be a pinch-hitting situation. It was the right call from Don Mattingly, as Kershaw singled to keep the inning alive. Gwynn was the leadoff hitter in this game, and he stroked an RBI triple to tie the game.
With the game still deadlocked heading into the ninth, Mattingly stuck with his ace. It worked for two outs, but then Vernon Wells stepped up and deposited a pitch into deep left for a solo homer and 2-1 advantage.
In came closer Jordan Walden, and Juan Uribe greeted him with a walk. Gordon got the day off until this point when he was summoned to pinch-run. With Dioner Navarro up, Gordon took off for second and was called safe on a play in which it looked like he may have slid right off the bag. Navarro then walked to put two on.
Jamey Carroll laid down a great sacrifice to put runners in scoring position with one down. Aaron Miles hit for Kershaw, and on a two-strike count, lifted a fly ball to center fielder Peter Bourjos. As Gordon came home, Jeff Mathis had the plate blocked and Gordon had to slide through him. Once again, it looked like he was out, but instead, was called safe and the game was tied.
Trent Oeltjen ran for Navarro at second, and Gwynn gathered his third hit of the day with a single to left to give the Dodgers a feel-good moment to close out the long homestand.
The Dodgers only won four games in a span of two weeks, so it's not like they can be happy about how they played. They started off by losing five straight to the Reds and Astros, then won three straight, including two of three against the Tigers, then dropped two more against the Angels. They just can't find any sort of consistency.
But, Sunday was a great win in that they had to fight back to win it. Granted, the calls in the ninth could have (maybe should have?) gone against them, but the Dodgers still had to earn this one. It was good to see guys not named Andre Ethier or Kemp do the damage.
Kershaw has battled like crazy all year long, and once again showed why he needs to be one of the top pitchers selected for the upcoming All-Star game. He lasted the whole game for six hits, two runs, no walks, and 11 strikeouts. He's now at 8-3 with a 2.93 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. That's just fantastic.
With Gordon's recent struggles at the plate, it was good to see Gwynn get his shot and come through with flying colors leading off. He's only hitting .230 on the season, but has yet to receive any consistent playing time in left. He's certainly been used as a defensive replacement on many occasions, and has done very well in that role. Maybe now that Jerry Sands is in the minors and Marcus Thames has a bad leg, he can get more starts and show what he can do.
The Dodgers have a lot of work to do if they plan on getting back into the race in the NL West, as they remain 9 1/2 games in back of the Giants. They now venture off to Minnesota to play the lifeless Twins, who have tumbled to the bottom of the AL Central with five straight loses. Chad Billingsley will go against Nick Blackburn on Monday.
He also used the help of the boys in blue calling the game.
Two very close calls went the Dodgers' way, as Gordon's steal of second and scamper to home on a sacrifice fly tied the game, and Tony Gwynn's walk-off single gave the Dodgers a victory over the Angels, 3-2. The win closes out the homestand at 4-8.
The game featured a matchup of two stud aces in Clayton Kershaw and Jared Weaver, and boy did they not disappoint. Unless you're a fan of hitting, that is. You can take the opening six frames and throw them out since nobody could score.
The Angels were the first team to break through in the seventh. Erik Aybar led off with a double. Howie Kendrick then lifted a sinking liner to Matt Kemp in center, but Kemp's dive was unsuccessful as Aybar scored to go up 1-0. Playing the ball straight up would have held him at third, but you can't fault Kemp's effort.
In the bottom of the inning, the Dodgers tied it right up. With two down, Kershaw was given the go-ahead to hit, even though this would normally be a pinch-hitting situation. It was the right call from Don Mattingly, as Kershaw singled to keep the inning alive. Gwynn was the leadoff hitter in this game, and he stroked an RBI triple to tie the game.
With the game still deadlocked heading into the ninth, Mattingly stuck with his ace. It worked for two outs, but then Vernon Wells stepped up and deposited a pitch into deep left for a solo homer and 2-1 advantage.
In came closer Jordan Walden, and Juan Uribe greeted him with a walk. Gordon got the day off until this point when he was summoned to pinch-run. With Dioner Navarro up, Gordon took off for second and was called safe on a play in which it looked like he may have slid right off the bag. Navarro then walked to put two on.
Jamey Carroll laid down a great sacrifice to put runners in scoring position with one down. Aaron Miles hit for Kershaw, and on a two-strike count, lifted a fly ball to center fielder Peter Bourjos. As Gordon came home, Jeff Mathis had the plate blocked and Gordon had to slide through him. Once again, it looked like he was out, but instead, was called safe and the game was tied.
Trent Oeltjen ran for Navarro at second, and Gwynn gathered his third hit of the day with a single to left to give the Dodgers a feel-good moment to close out the long homestand.
The Dodgers only won four games in a span of two weeks, so it's not like they can be happy about how they played. They started off by losing five straight to the Reds and Astros, then won three straight, including two of three against the Tigers, then dropped two more against the Angels. They just can't find any sort of consistency.
But, Sunday was a great win in that they had to fight back to win it. Granted, the calls in the ninth could have (maybe should have?) gone against them, but the Dodgers still had to earn this one. It was good to see guys not named Andre Ethier or Kemp do the damage.
Kershaw has battled like crazy all year long, and once again showed why he needs to be one of the top pitchers selected for the upcoming All-Star game. He lasted the whole game for six hits, two runs, no walks, and 11 strikeouts. He's now at 8-3 with a 2.93 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. That's just fantastic.
With Gordon's recent struggles at the plate, it was good to see Gwynn get his shot and come through with flying colors leading off. He's only hitting .230 on the season, but has yet to receive any consistent playing time in left. He's certainly been used as a defensive replacement on many occasions, and has done very well in that role. Maybe now that Jerry Sands is in the minors and Marcus Thames has a bad leg, he can get more starts and show what he can do.
The Dodgers have a lot of work to do if they plan on getting back into the race in the NL West, as they remain 9 1/2 games in back of the Giants. They now venture off to Minnesota to play the lifeless Twins, who have tumbled to the bottom of the AL Central with five straight loses. Chad Billingsley will go against Nick Blackburn on Monday.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Angels run away from Dodgers
Those signs of the life the Dodgers showed against the Tigers have quickly faded away.
For the second straight game, the Angels turned it on late to pull away from the Dodgers. This time it was on a late three-run homer by Vernon Wells to get the win, 6-1. The Angels have outscored the Dodgers 14-4 in the first couple of games.
Hiroki Kuroda got the start, and he's been stuck in a miserable slump where he's pitched well, but his team hasn't supported him for a win since May 17. He got through the first eight hitters in order before pitcher Tyler Chatwood singled to keep the third inning alive. Leadoff hitter Eric Aybar stroked an RBI triple to make it 1-0.
The following inning, Marc Trumbo made some more noise for the Angels with two outs, this time on a solo shot for a 2-0 lead. The Dodgers got their first hit of the game on a single by Jamey Carroll with one out, but was quickly erased on a double play ball from Andre Ethier.
The fifth inning was interesting for a couple of reasons. Matt Kemp led off and struck out looking. As he was in the dugout, he continued jawing to home plate umpire Chris Conroy and was given the boot. It looked like Don Mattingly brought up the age old debate if umpires should just ignore conversations from the dugout, but Kemp seemed to earn this one.
James Loney and Aaron Miles each singled next, and both advanced a base on an error by Bobby Abreu. Chatwood then walked Trent Oeltjen to load the bases and A.J. Ellis to force in a run, making it 2-1. Casey Blake pinch-hit for Kuroda, ripped one that would have scored a couple, but instead it was snagged at second by Howie Kendrick, who then flipped to first for the double play. So it goes for the Dodgers.
You got the feeling that that play deflated any hope of the Dodgers coming back, as they went into an offensive shell the rest of the way. It's not Kenley Jansen's fault, as he did a great job getting through the sixth and seventh in order with a couple of strikeouts to keep the score as is. Since making a return from injury, he's pitched 4 2/3 innings in three appearances without a run and seven strikeouts. Now that's more like it.
You definitely can blame Matt Guerrier and Hong-Chih Kuo, who combined go surrender four runs in the eighth to send Dodger fans to the exits. It started on a double with an out by Russell Branyan. Now with two outs, Kendrick hit an RBI single, and it was 3-1. Kuo came in, walked Abreu, then watched Wells crush a three-run homer for the 6-1 lead.
The Dodgers put a couple of runners on in the ninth on a walk by Tony Gwynn and single by Loney, but as usual, couldn't drive them in, and mercifully the game was over.
Kuroda pitched well, as he went five innings for three hits, two runs, one walk, and two strikeouts. In fact, he's pitched well enough in his last five starts to earn wins, yet never gets the offensive support. It's pretty embarrassing that he has a 3.10 ERA and only a 5-9 record. It should be the other way around.
The offense managed only five hits and four walks the entire game. They were completely shut down by Chatwood, who must love this Interleague stuff considering he's pitched 14 innings of one-run ball against the Mets and Dodgers combined. Plus, you eliminate a couple more at-bats from the ejected Kemp, and it's an uphill battle to say the least.
The biggest disappointment was watching Guerrier and Kuo get smacked around in the eighth. Before the season, these were two of your top guys penciled in to get big outs late in the game. 78 games into the season, Guerrier's ERA is 4.50, and Kuo's is 12.79. It's no wonder this team is 10 games back in the NL West. What appeared to be their calling card has instead turned into a disaster.
The final game of this series will be on Sunday afternoon before the two meet again next weekend in Anaheim. The matchup on the mound will be awesome, as Clayton Kershaw goes against Jared Weaver. Two of the best young hurlers in the game should make scoring runs at a premium.
For the second straight game, the Angels turned it on late to pull away from the Dodgers. This time it was on a late three-run homer by Vernon Wells to get the win, 6-1. The Angels have outscored the Dodgers 14-4 in the first couple of games.
Hiroki Kuroda got the start, and he's been stuck in a miserable slump where he's pitched well, but his team hasn't supported him for a win since May 17. He got through the first eight hitters in order before pitcher Tyler Chatwood singled to keep the third inning alive. Leadoff hitter Eric Aybar stroked an RBI triple to make it 1-0.
The following inning, Marc Trumbo made some more noise for the Angels with two outs, this time on a solo shot for a 2-0 lead. The Dodgers got their first hit of the game on a single by Jamey Carroll with one out, but was quickly erased on a double play ball from Andre Ethier.
The fifth inning was interesting for a couple of reasons. Matt Kemp led off and struck out looking. As he was in the dugout, he continued jawing to home plate umpire Chris Conroy and was given the boot. It looked like Don Mattingly brought up the age old debate if umpires should just ignore conversations from the dugout, but Kemp seemed to earn this one.
James Loney and Aaron Miles each singled next, and both advanced a base on an error by Bobby Abreu. Chatwood then walked Trent Oeltjen to load the bases and A.J. Ellis to force in a run, making it 2-1. Casey Blake pinch-hit for Kuroda, ripped one that would have scored a couple, but instead it was snagged at second by Howie Kendrick, who then flipped to first for the double play. So it goes for the Dodgers.
You got the feeling that that play deflated any hope of the Dodgers coming back, as they went into an offensive shell the rest of the way. It's not Kenley Jansen's fault, as he did a great job getting through the sixth and seventh in order with a couple of strikeouts to keep the score as is. Since making a return from injury, he's pitched 4 2/3 innings in three appearances without a run and seven strikeouts. Now that's more like it.
You definitely can blame Matt Guerrier and Hong-Chih Kuo, who combined go surrender four runs in the eighth to send Dodger fans to the exits. It started on a double with an out by Russell Branyan. Now with two outs, Kendrick hit an RBI single, and it was 3-1. Kuo came in, walked Abreu, then watched Wells crush a three-run homer for the 6-1 lead.
The Dodgers put a couple of runners on in the ninth on a walk by Tony Gwynn and single by Loney, but as usual, couldn't drive them in, and mercifully the game was over.
Kuroda pitched well, as he went five innings for three hits, two runs, one walk, and two strikeouts. In fact, he's pitched well enough in his last five starts to earn wins, yet never gets the offensive support. It's pretty embarrassing that he has a 3.10 ERA and only a 5-9 record. It should be the other way around.
The offense managed only five hits and four walks the entire game. They were completely shut down by Chatwood, who must love this Interleague stuff considering he's pitched 14 innings of one-run ball against the Mets and Dodgers combined. Plus, you eliminate a couple more at-bats from the ejected Kemp, and it's an uphill battle to say the least.
The biggest disappointment was watching Guerrier and Kuo get smacked around in the eighth. Before the season, these were two of your top guys penciled in to get big outs late in the game. 78 games into the season, Guerrier's ERA is 4.50, and Kuo's is 12.79. It's no wonder this team is 10 games back in the NL West. What appeared to be their calling card has instead turned into a disaster.
The final game of this series will be on Sunday afternoon before the two meet again next weekend in Anaheim. The matchup on the mound will be awesome, as Clayton Kershaw goes against Jared Weaver. Two of the best young hurlers in the game should make scoring runs at a premium.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Navarro's long drive just inches short
Dioner Navarro's long fly ball to dead center field nearly gave the Dodgers their first four-game winning streak of the season. Instead, they'll have to settle for two out of three.
Austin Jackson had to get on his horse to snag Navarro's shot, which would have easily cleared the bases and given the Dodgers a win. But, the Tigers made good on four home runs and held on for the win, 7-5. The Dodgers are now 3-6 on their homestand.
The Dodgers finally had some reasons to feel good about themselves, as they sported wins in three straight games coming into this one. Ted Lilly was given the ball to try and extend that streak, but one batter into the game, he knew he'd be in for a long day. Casper Wells led off the game with a solo shot.
Looking to respond, Juan Uribe singled with one out. Andre Ethier flew out, but Matt Kemp cranked an RBI triple to tie the game. James Loney was able to find some room in left for an RBI single and 2-1 lead.
The lead didn't last long, as Lilly just couldn't get on track. Victor Martinez walked to set things up for Magglio Ordonez, who lifted a two-run shot to left to grab the lead back at 3-2.
The following inning, the Tigers went deep again, this time on a two-run bomb by Miguel Cabrera, putting them up 5-2. They definitely have some muscle, and it was on full display in this one.
Kemp singled to start the bottom of the fourth, and soon stole his 21st base. Loney walked to put two on with none out. Marcus Thames actually had a good at-bat for the first time in... well, forever, with an RBI single. An out later, Jamey Carroll flew out to right, and Ordonez gunned down Loney trying to scamper home. I'm pretty sure being fleet of foot is not a way to describe him.
Both teams went back and forth in the fifth. After Lilly gave up a two-out single to Brandon Boesch, Mike MacDougal relieved to try and get the last out. He didn't, as a single by Cabrera led to an RBI single from Martinez for the 6-3 lead.
The bottom of the fifth got very interesting, as the Dodgers sent eight men to the plate, but only came away with two runs. Tony Gwynn and Aaron Miles both singled to start. Uribe grounded into a double play, sending Gwynn to third. Ethier collected an RBI single to make it 6-4, and Kemp singled to keep the inning going.
Charlie Furbush then relieved Rick Porcello, and Loney greeted him with an RBI single to go down 6-5. Thames took a walk to load the bases for Navarro, who struck out to end the inning. Navarro has played well lately, but he didn't come through twice with the bases loaded, which has to be as frustrating as it gets.
Don Kelly added an insurance run for the Tigers with a solo homer off of Matt Guerrier leading off the eighth. Blake Hawksworth got a double play from Andy Dirks to get out of it. The Dodgers put two on in the bottom of the frame, only to see Joaquin Benoit blow away Miles for the final out.
It all came down to the bottom of the ninth, and the Dodgers showed some heart. Jose Valverde was in looking for his 17th save, and with one out, the Dodgers loaded the bases on a single by Ethier, a walk to Kemp, and a single by Loney. Don Mattingly called on veteran Casey Blake to hit for Dee Gordon, and he struck out. Navarro came so close to ending the game with a mighty swing, but give Jackson credit for tracking it down.
A sweep would have been great, even downright shocking, but the Dodgers will gladly take two of three. With the lifeless ball they played last week, they at least showed grit these three games, even in a losing effort in this one. They're only 34-42, so getting back to .500 will still require plenty of work.
Lilly never got rolling, as he went 4 2/3 innings for six hits, six runs, one walk, and eight strikeouts. The strikeouts were nice, but there aren't many pitchers who can survive three taters. His previous two starts have been awful, which is disappointing considering he had five good ones before that.
The offense outhit the Tigers 13-10, and took more walks at 5-3. But, a quick look at the men left on base tells the story, as the Dodgers left 14, and the Tigers left 5. Needless to say, that's a huge difference. Four homers to none for the away team made a difference as well.
Thursday will be an off day for the Dodgers. They will then welcome in the rival Anaheim Angels to finish up the homestand for three games. Rubby De La Rosa goes in the first game against a very solid Dan Haren.
Austin Jackson had to get on his horse to snag Navarro's shot, which would have easily cleared the bases and given the Dodgers a win. But, the Tigers made good on four home runs and held on for the win, 7-5. The Dodgers are now 3-6 on their homestand.
The Dodgers finally had some reasons to feel good about themselves, as they sported wins in three straight games coming into this one. Ted Lilly was given the ball to try and extend that streak, but one batter into the game, he knew he'd be in for a long day. Casper Wells led off the game with a solo shot.
Looking to respond, Juan Uribe singled with one out. Andre Ethier flew out, but Matt Kemp cranked an RBI triple to tie the game. James Loney was able to find some room in left for an RBI single and 2-1 lead.
The lead didn't last long, as Lilly just couldn't get on track. Victor Martinez walked to set things up for Magglio Ordonez, who lifted a two-run shot to left to grab the lead back at 3-2.
The following inning, the Tigers went deep again, this time on a two-run bomb by Miguel Cabrera, putting them up 5-2. They definitely have some muscle, and it was on full display in this one.
Kemp singled to start the bottom of the fourth, and soon stole his 21st base. Loney walked to put two on with none out. Marcus Thames actually had a good at-bat for the first time in... well, forever, with an RBI single. An out later, Jamey Carroll flew out to right, and Ordonez gunned down Loney trying to scamper home. I'm pretty sure being fleet of foot is not a way to describe him.
Both teams went back and forth in the fifth. After Lilly gave up a two-out single to Brandon Boesch, Mike MacDougal relieved to try and get the last out. He didn't, as a single by Cabrera led to an RBI single from Martinez for the 6-3 lead.
The bottom of the fifth got very interesting, as the Dodgers sent eight men to the plate, but only came away with two runs. Tony Gwynn and Aaron Miles both singled to start. Uribe grounded into a double play, sending Gwynn to third. Ethier collected an RBI single to make it 6-4, and Kemp singled to keep the inning going.
Charlie Furbush then relieved Rick Porcello, and Loney greeted him with an RBI single to go down 6-5. Thames took a walk to load the bases for Navarro, who struck out to end the inning. Navarro has played well lately, but he didn't come through twice with the bases loaded, which has to be as frustrating as it gets.
Don Kelly added an insurance run for the Tigers with a solo homer off of Matt Guerrier leading off the eighth. Blake Hawksworth got a double play from Andy Dirks to get out of it. The Dodgers put two on in the bottom of the frame, only to see Joaquin Benoit blow away Miles for the final out.
It all came down to the bottom of the ninth, and the Dodgers showed some heart. Jose Valverde was in looking for his 17th save, and with one out, the Dodgers loaded the bases on a single by Ethier, a walk to Kemp, and a single by Loney. Don Mattingly called on veteran Casey Blake to hit for Dee Gordon, and he struck out. Navarro came so close to ending the game with a mighty swing, but give Jackson credit for tracking it down.
A sweep would have been great, even downright shocking, but the Dodgers will gladly take two of three. With the lifeless ball they played last week, they at least showed grit these three games, even in a losing effort in this one. They're only 34-42, so getting back to .500 will still require plenty of work.
Lilly never got rolling, as he went 4 2/3 innings for six hits, six runs, one walk, and eight strikeouts. The strikeouts were nice, but there aren't many pitchers who can survive three taters. His previous two starts have been awful, which is disappointing considering he had five good ones before that.
The offense outhit the Tigers 13-10, and took more walks at 5-3. But, a quick look at the men left on base tells the story, as the Dodgers left 14, and the Tigers left 5. Needless to say, that's a huge difference. Four homers to none for the away team made a difference as well.
Thursday will be an off day for the Dodgers. They will then welcome in the rival Anaheim Angels to finish up the homestand for three games. Rubby De La Rosa goes in the first game against a very solid Dan Haren.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Picture me rolling: 3 straight for LA
The Dodgers started their 12-game homestand looking dead in the water. Five straight losses bumped them to nine games in back of the NL West lead.
Three wins later, the Dodgers have at least a glimmer of hope of better days to come.
Chad Billingsley pitched into the sixth, the bullpen was flawless, and Andre Ethier's two-run homer all helped propel the Dodgers to another win over the Tigers, 6-1. The Dodgers have won the last two games a combined 10-1.
It's hard to imagine that this is the same team that got swept by the Reds and were on the verge of getting the same treatment against the lowly Astros. But, to their credit, the Dodgers have really put it together against a solid Tigers team. I'm not sure many of us saw this coming.
James Loney took a walk with one out in the second to start the first rally. Aaron Miles started at second, and he singled for two on. A.J. Ellis, who's made a small career out of being recalled and demoted, came through with an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
The Tigers tied it up in the fourth. Don Kelly led off and drew a walk, and soon went to second on Brendon Boesch's single. Victor Martinez knotted the game with an RBI single. Still with nobody out, Billingsley struck out the next two and induced a groundout to end the threat.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Dodgers took the lead for good. Loney again got things going with a leadoff double, his ninth of the season. But, he was soon erased at third trying to advance on a grounder by Miles. Ellis grounded out for two down. Tony Gwynn legged out an infield single to score Miles and take a 2-1 lead.
Ethier got into one in the fifth to give the Dodgers and Billingsley some cushion. Juan Uribe singled with one down in another start in the #2 hole. Ethier lifted his seventh homer of the season to right for the 4-1 lead. It was his only hit of the night, but was much better than watching him spray dinky little singles. The Dodgers need him to be that power bat in the #3 spot.
The Tigers made things interesting in the sixth, but ultimately came up empty. Boesch and Martinez singled to start the inning and immediately put Billingsley in some hot water. Andy Dirks struck out, but Alex Avila walked to load the bases.
Out went Billingsley, in came Mike MacDougal, and Jim Leyland countered by sending the mighty Miguel Cabrera to the plate. The game was pretty much on the line right here, and MacDougal won the battle with a 6-4-3 double play to escape the jam.
The game was put away for good in the bottom of the sixth, as the Dodgers added two more. Miles singled leading off. Two outs later, Trent Oeltjen pinch-hit and doubled home Miles for the 5-1 lead. Dee Gordon's RBI single made it 6-1.
The story then turned to the bullpen and the great job they did. Matt Guerrier pitched the seventh and got a double play from Kelly to end the inning. Hong-Chih Kuo made his return from hiatus and threw a perfect eighth. Blake Hawksworth struck out the side, ala Clayton Kershaw the night before, to emphatically end the ballgame.
There were a couple of tense moments in this one to test the Dodgers, but they passed with flying colors. They induced two inning-ending double play balls, which went a long way in keeping the Tigers' offense in check. The pitching held their offense without an extra-base hit.
Billingsley bounced back from some horrific outings lately to last 5 1/3 innings for six hits, one run, two walks, and six strikeouts. His WHIP for the season is still very high at 1.52, but tonight he stranded those runners, with a little help from MacDougal in the sixth. He evened his record at 6-6.
The bullpen was great. MacDougal, Guerrier, Kuo, and Hawksworth combined to throw the final 3 2/3 innings for one hit, no runs, one walk, and five strikeouts. You really can't get a whole lot better than that. A healthy Kuo makes a huge difference, as he's the best lefty reliever in baseball when he's right. One strong outing doesn't make him magically cured, but it's as good a start as he could've asked for.
Worth noting is that Matt Kemp stole two bases, both in the seventh, to get up to 20 on the season. To put in perspective just how impressive that is, he stole 19 all of last season. He's now at the 20-20 mark, and 30-30 is on the horizon. That's practically a rarity these days.
The Dodgers will now look for the sweep, which seemed improbable a few days ago. Ted Lilly will get the ball looking to earn his sixth win.
Three wins later, the Dodgers have at least a glimmer of hope of better days to come.
Chad Billingsley pitched into the sixth, the bullpen was flawless, and Andre Ethier's two-run homer all helped propel the Dodgers to another win over the Tigers, 6-1. The Dodgers have won the last two games a combined 10-1.
It's hard to imagine that this is the same team that got swept by the Reds and were on the verge of getting the same treatment against the lowly Astros. But, to their credit, the Dodgers have really put it together against a solid Tigers team. I'm not sure many of us saw this coming.
James Loney took a walk with one out in the second to start the first rally. Aaron Miles started at second, and he singled for two on. A.J. Ellis, who's made a small career out of being recalled and demoted, came through with an RBI single for the 1-0 lead.
The Tigers tied it up in the fourth. Don Kelly led off and drew a walk, and soon went to second on Brendon Boesch's single. Victor Martinez knotted the game with an RBI single. Still with nobody out, Billingsley struck out the next two and induced a groundout to end the threat.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Dodgers took the lead for good. Loney again got things going with a leadoff double, his ninth of the season. But, he was soon erased at third trying to advance on a grounder by Miles. Ellis grounded out for two down. Tony Gwynn legged out an infield single to score Miles and take a 2-1 lead.
Ethier got into one in the fifth to give the Dodgers and Billingsley some cushion. Juan Uribe singled with one down in another start in the #2 hole. Ethier lifted his seventh homer of the season to right for the 4-1 lead. It was his only hit of the night, but was much better than watching him spray dinky little singles. The Dodgers need him to be that power bat in the #3 spot.
The Tigers made things interesting in the sixth, but ultimately came up empty. Boesch and Martinez singled to start the inning and immediately put Billingsley in some hot water. Andy Dirks struck out, but Alex Avila walked to load the bases.
Out went Billingsley, in came Mike MacDougal, and Jim Leyland countered by sending the mighty Miguel Cabrera to the plate. The game was pretty much on the line right here, and MacDougal won the battle with a 6-4-3 double play to escape the jam.
The game was put away for good in the bottom of the sixth, as the Dodgers added two more. Miles singled leading off. Two outs later, Trent Oeltjen pinch-hit and doubled home Miles for the 5-1 lead. Dee Gordon's RBI single made it 6-1.
The story then turned to the bullpen and the great job they did. Matt Guerrier pitched the seventh and got a double play from Kelly to end the inning. Hong-Chih Kuo made his return from hiatus and threw a perfect eighth. Blake Hawksworth struck out the side, ala Clayton Kershaw the night before, to emphatically end the ballgame.
There were a couple of tense moments in this one to test the Dodgers, but they passed with flying colors. They induced two inning-ending double play balls, which went a long way in keeping the Tigers' offense in check. The pitching held their offense without an extra-base hit.
Billingsley bounced back from some horrific outings lately to last 5 1/3 innings for six hits, one run, two walks, and six strikeouts. His WHIP for the season is still very high at 1.52, but tonight he stranded those runners, with a little help from MacDougal in the sixth. He evened his record at 6-6.
The bullpen was great. MacDougal, Guerrier, Kuo, and Hawksworth combined to throw the final 3 2/3 innings for one hit, no runs, one walk, and five strikeouts. You really can't get a whole lot better than that. A healthy Kuo makes a huge difference, as he's the best lefty reliever in baseball when he's right. One strong outing doesn't make him magically cured, but it's as good a start as he could've asked for.
Worth noting is that Matt Kemp stole two bases, both in the seventh, to get up to 20 on the season. To put in perspective just how impressive that is, he stole 19 all of last season. He's now at the 20-20 mark, and 30-30 is on the horizon. That's practically a rarity these days.
The Dodgers will now look for the sweep, which seemed improbable a few days ago. Ted Lilly will get the ball looking to earn his sixth win.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Kershaw builds his All-Star resume
That wall Clayton Kershaw had been running into in recent starts? He just broke through it.
Kershaw posted his latest dominant outing on Monday, throwing a complete game, two-hit shutout as the Dodgers beat the Tigers, 4-0. How did two of those runs score? On a single by Kershaw. You could say he did it all.
The Dodgers got things started in the first. Juan Uribe has been in a horrible slump pretty much all season, so Don Mattingly gave him a second straight start in the #2 hole. It worked in this one, as he took a full count pitch out to left for his fourth homer of the year and a 1-0 lead.
The defense gave Kershaw some support in the third. The Tigers mustered only two hits on the night, but one of them came here on a leadoff double by Ryan Raburn. He went to third on a groundout and stayed there when Brad Penny struck out. With two down now, Dioner Navarro executed a perfect throw behind to nail him at third to get the last out. It was great communication between he and Uribe.
After wasting a couple of good opportunities in the fourth and fifth, the Dodgers tacked on another run in the sixth. James Loney started it with a double, his eighth of the season. An out later, Navarro stroked an RBI double to go up 2-0. The Dodgers still aren't hitting much, but that's two straight games in which Navarro has provided big at-bats.
From there it was all about Kershaw, as he refused to let the Tigers get settled in. In fact, he got even better as the innings wore on. And when he wasn't dealing, he was giving himself some room for comfort with his bat. In the eighth, Matt Kemp walked leading off and Loney singled for two on. Kemp then stole third and Loney took second on an error by Victor Martinez.
Navarro was soon given the intentional walk to pitch to Jamey Carroll, who grounded into a forceout for two down. Kershaw didn't exactly kill the ball, but found a perfect spot to ground one through the infield for a two-run single and 4-0 advantage.
The ninth inning was the sweetest, as Kershaw struck out the side to put an exclamation point on arguably the best outing of his career. He finished with 11 strikeouts and only one walk to run his record to 7-3 with a 3.01 ERA.
Over his last two starts, Kershaw has thrown 16 innings, giving up only one run on six hits, walking three and striking out 15. If you recall, he went through a couple of rough patches before that in which he started off the game very well, then got hit hard in the middle innings. That seems like a distant memory now.
The National League is loaded with power arms, so to make the All-Star game as a starting pitcher, you know you earned it. There should be no doubt after last night that Kershaw has earned it. He leads the league in strikeouts at 117 (Halladay has 114 with one less start), and is right up there in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and BAA.
By my calculations, if the Dodgers stay on the current rotation, then Kershaw's last start before the All-Star game will be on Thursday, July 7 against the Mets. That means when the All-Star game hits that following Tuesday, he will be pitching on his normal rest. If he can look good over his next three starts before the break, then he has a legitimate shot at being named the starter simply because of rest. Come on, Bruce Bochy, throw him a bone!
But that's looking way ahead, so let's focus on this one for now. Loney and Uribe had good games, and Lord knows they could use it. Loney went 3-for-4 with two runs and a double. To his credit, he's been hitting very well in June to the tune of a .322 average. He still doesn't provide much power, but at least he's hitting.
The Dodgers now have two straight shutout victories, which is tough to do against anyone. Tonight's starter is Chad Billingsley, and he has a lot to prove. As great as Kershaw has been, Bills has not. At the end of May his ERA stood at 3.46. Three horrible starts later, it's now at 4.65. He'll look to turn things around against Max Scherzer, who's had a great year with a 9-2 record.
Kershaw posted his latest dominant outing on Monday, throwing a complete game, two-hit shutout as the Dodgers beat the Tigers, 4-0. How did two of those runs score? On a single by Kershaw. You could say he did it all.
The Dodgers got things started in the first. Juan Uribe has been in a horrible slump pretty much all season, so Don Mattingly gave him a second straight start in the #2 hole. It worked in this one, as he took a full count pitch out to left for his fourth homer of the year and a 1-0 lead.
The defense gave Kershaw some support in the third. The Tigers mustered only two hits on the night, but one of them came here on a leadoff double by Ryan Raburn. He went to third on a groundout and stayed there when Brad Penny struck out. With two down now, Dioner Navarro executed a perfect throw behind to nail him at third to get the last out. It was great communication between he and Uribe.
After wasting a couple of good opportunities in the fourth and fifth, the Dodgers tacked on another run in the sixth. James Loney started it with a double, his eighth of the season. An out later, Navarro stroked an RBI double to go up 2-0. The Dodgers still aren't hitting much, but that's two straight games in which Navarro has provided big at-bats.
From there it was all about Kershaw, as he refused to let the Tigers get settled in. In fact, he got even better as the innings wore on. And when he wasn't dealing, he was giving himself some room for comfort with his bat. In the eighth, Matt Kemp walked leading off and Loney singled for two on. Kemp then stole third and Loney took second on an error by Victor Martinez.
Navarro was soon given the intentional walk to pitch to Jamey Carroll, who grounded into a forceout for two down. Kershaw didn't exactly kill the ball, but found a perfect spot to ground one through the infield for a two-run single and 4-0 advantage.
The ninth inning was the sweetest, as Kershaw struck out the side to put an exclamation point on arguably the best outing of his career. He finished with 11 strikeouts and only one walk to run his record to 7-3 with a 3.01 ERA.
Over his last two starts, Kershaw has thrown 16 innings, giving up only one run on six hits, walking three and striking out 15. If you recall, he went through a couple of rough patches before that in which he started off the game very well, then got hit hard in the middle innings. That seems like a distant memory now.
The National League is loaded with power arms, so to make the All-Star game as a starting pitcher, you know you earned it. There should be no doubt after last night that Kershaw has earned it. He leads the league in strikeouts at 117 (Halladay has 114 with one less start), and is right up there in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and BAA.
By my calculations, if the Dodgers stay on the current rotation, then Kershaw's last start before the All-Star game will be on Thursday, July 7 against the Mets. That means when the All-Star game hits that following Tuesday, he will be pitching on his normal rest. If he can look good over his next three starts before the break, then he has a legitimate shot at being named the starter simply because of rest. Come on, Bruce Bochy, throw him a bone!
But that's looking way ahead, so let's focus on this one for now. Loney and Uribe had good games, and Lord knows they could use it. Loney went 3-for-4 with two runs and a double. To his credit, he's been hitting very well in June to the tune of a .322 average. He still doesn't provide much power, but at least he's hitting.
The Dodgers now have two straight shutout victories, which is tough to do against anyone. Tonight's starter is Chad Billingsley, and he has a lot to prove. As great as Kershaw has been, Bills has not. At the end of May his ERA stood at 3.46. Three horrible starts later, it's now at 4.65. He'll look to turn things around against Max Scherzer, who's had a great year with a 9-2 record.
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