The 2006 Dodger Season Thread

[mojorisin71]

Monday, April 3, 2006

Atlanta 11, Los Angeles 10 at Dodger Stadium

W - Oscar Villarreal (1-0)
L - Derek Lowe (0-1)
S - Chris Reitsma (1)

ATL 11 runs, 12 hits, 3 errors
LA 10 runs, 17 hits, 1 error

HR - Adam LaRoche, ATL (1), Andruw Jones, ATL (1), Ryan Langerhans, ATL (1)

Dodgers' record - 0-1 (T-3rd in NL West)

When the game is 8-1, you should not have to rely on your closer to get three outs. The Braves had everything going their way (more like the Dodgers having everything going against them, since Nomar went on the DL prior to the game), and they got to a quick start off Derek Lowe, scoring four times in the first inning. Unlike last year's season opener, Lowe had a horrible game, going 5 innings and giving up seven earned runs, and he left the game with a 12.60 ERA. But the Dodgers have a knack for wacky home openers, as they scored four times in the fifth off RBI singles by JD Drew and Bill Mueller and a 2-run double by Jeff Kent. The Dodgers inched closer, getting to 11-5 and in the 8th, all hell broke loose (not really, but the Braves' bullpen, their longtime Achilles heel, went to work. Olmedo Saenz and Jason Repko had RBI hits and in the 9th, two RBI groundouts brought the Dodgers to within one run, until Saenz grounded out to end the game. Overall, Rafael Furcal and Jose Cruz had seven hits between them, and Kent drove in four runs, but the hole dug by Lowe was too big to get out of. Personally, I think the comeback reflects more on the Bravos' pen than it does on the Dodgers' lineup, but what the heck, a loss is a loss, right?

[DodgerBlue81]

Nomar went on the DL prior to the game

Wow, what a shock, Nomar on the DL. :rolleyes: What a bum; him and Lofton on the DL before the season starts.

And wonderful pitching by Lowe today. :mad:
11-10, that was a tough loss, almost tied it. :(

[mojorisin71]

I'd also like to add that today was the largest Opening Day crowd in Dodger Stadium history.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Los Angeles 5, Atlanta 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (1-0)
L - John Smoltz (0-1)
S - Danys Baez (1)

LA 5 runs, 10 hits, 1 error
ATL 4 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

HR - Adam LaRoche, ATL (2), Brian McCann, ATL (1), JD Drew, LA (1)

Dodgers' record - 1-1 (3rd in NL West)

This week has not been a good one for the Dodgers, as both Nomar and Kenny Lofton went on the DL, and to top it off, there was the threat of the first rainout in six years. And to top it off, the Dodgers dug themselves into a deep hole on Opening Day and their comeback fell a bit short. Last night's game looked to be another disaster, as both Andruw and Chipper Jones had good numbers against Brad Penny in the past, and the Dodgers had poor stats against John Smoltz. And somehow, Grady Little had faith in James Loney, who had never played above AA, and he started last night at first base. Add an almost empty Dodger Stadium and you have the perfect scenario for Dodger baseball.

The Dodgers returned the favor last night by jumping out to a 4-0 lead on a 2-run HR by JD Drew and RBI singles by Bill Mueller (who entered the game batting 9-for-19 [.474] against Smoltz) and Jason Repko, and the Dodgers never gave up the lead from there. Brian McCann continued his domination of Penny, hitting a solo shot in the top of the 2nd inning, and as soon as Edgar Renteria flied out to end the Bravos' half-inning, the umps raced onto the field and paused the game for 26 minutes, much to the dismay of whoever was left in the stadium. Penny struck out 8 in 5 innings, and Jae Seo almost finished the game, but in the 8th, he ran into trouble, giving up back-to-back doubles to Matt Diaz (pronounced DIE-az) and Andruw Jones and a 2-run shot to Adam LaRoche, who seems to take pleasure in adding his name to the the growing list of Dodger killers. Danys Baez came in the 9th and got three outs to earn his first career save in the National League.

Tonight's matchup features hometown hero Horacio Ramirez (Inglewood HS) versus Odalis Perez.

[DodgerBlue81]

Odalis Perez sucks ass!!! :mad:

[DownUnderDodger]

Thank you again Mojo for the game by game wrap ups - it keeps me well informed in what is happening with the Dodgers. I am not working tomorrow so hope to catch the TV game (midday our time) although I don't know who it will feature. We get around 3 games a week here.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Atlanta 9, Los Angeles 8 at Dodger Stadium

W - Oscar Villarreal (2-0)
L - Franquelis Osoria (0-1)
S - Chris Reitsma (2)

ATL 9 runs, 13 hits, 2 errors
LA 8 runs, 12 hits, 1 error

HR - Wilson Betemit, ATL (1)

Dodgers' record - 1-2 (5th in NL West)

Usually when you think of a Dodgers/Braves series, you expect great pitching duels and excellent defensive plays. Unfortunately, this was not the case this week, as the Dodgers closed out a 3-game homestand by dropping a 9-8 decision to the Bravos. Everything seemed to click with the Dodgers, scoring four runs in the first inning for the second consecutive game, but as DodgerBlue81 pointed out, Odalis Perez was unable to hold the lead, as the Braves scored five times in the third inning, capped by a 2-run HR from light-hitting Wilson Betemit. Atlanta scored three more times in the fourth off Perez and reliever Lance Carter, but like the season opener, the Braves' pen was also unable to stay ahead (starter Horacio Ramirez strained his hamstring while running out a bunt single). LA scored three times in the seventh off John Thomson, Mike Remlinger, and Oscar Villarreal, who is on pace to win 108 games for Atlanta this season. But in the eighth, Marcus Giles and Edgar Renteria drew two-out walks off Franquelis Osoria and then Ryan Langerhans hit a ground-rule double to right to drive home the winning run. Chris Reitsma retired all five batters he faced to earn his second save in the series.

Both Jeff Kent and Olmedo Saenz left the game early, as Kent took a pitch from Ramirez in the arm and Saenz had a stiff back. Rafael Furcal limped off the field in the 8th after saving a run from scoring, but none of them figure to be out for long. Don't you have an eerie feeling that it's 2005 all over again?

[mojorisin71]

Tomorrow's game will feature Brett Tomko vs Gavin Floyd in Philly.

I'm starting to miss the Professor already.

[UnderPressure]

I went to the game last night. Damn, I'm 0-5 whenever I sit in the Pavilions. I'll never buy those seats again.

I'm probably 50 games over .500 in any other sections.

[DodgerBlue81]

Our pitching stinks, I can't believe we lost that game :mad:

[DodgerBlue81]

Up 5-0 and I bet we blow this one too. Tomko sucks :grouchy

[DodgerBlue81]

OK, good, I was wrong. We really needed that win. :clapping

[mojorisin71]

Friday, April 7, 2006

Los Angeles 5, Philadelphia 3 at Citizens Bank Park

W - Brett Tomko (1-0)
L - Gavin Floyd (0-1)
S - Danys Baez (2)

LA 5 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
PHI 3 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

HR - Pat Burrell, PHI (2), Sal Fasano, PHI (1)

Dodgers' record - 2-2 (3rd in NL West) (for now)

After watching the Dodgers blow a five-run lead to the Braves two nights ago, it was painful to see the Dodgers almost do it today. The Dodgers capitalized on a fielding error by Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard and an off-night from Gavin Floyd and scored five times in the first three innings. Jason Repko continued his hot start, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Brett Tomko pitched well in his first start as a Dodger, going 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits, but all three of those came in the 4th inning, and it looked like he would pull off an Odalis Perez after Sal Fasano hit a 2-run shot to left center. Surprisingly, the lead stood for the rest of the game, Hong-chih Kuo got to work two innings (and got to bat as well) before Danys Baez came in to shut the door on the Phillies. Not a bad outing today.

[DodgerBlue81]

stinkin' rainout. Now we have a doubleheader, better get a split at least.

[ElCaminoSS]

I broke my leg so I was excited to see some baseball today :(

[ElCaminoSS]

:mad: :mad: :mad: walkoff homerun, there goes the first game

[DodgerBlue81]

I broke my leg so I was excited to see some baseball today :(

:eek: that sucks

[DodgerBlue81]

:mad: That sucked. We have to win the 2nd game. :grouchy

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, April 9, 2006

Philadelphia 6, Los Angeles 3 at Citizens Bank Park

W - Tom Gordon (1-1)
L - Tim Hamulack (0-1)

PHI 6 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors
LA 3 runs, 5 hits, 1 error

HR - Dioner Navarro, LA (1), Bobby Abreu, PHI (1)

Dodgers' record - 2-3 (3rd in NL West) (for now)

QUICKIE RECAP: Yhency Brazoban should NOT be allowed to pitch against the Phillies. Ever. Last year, he gave up a 2-run shot in the 10th against Ryan Howard in Philly and a grand slam to him two weeks later. And today, he threw a wild pitch (although Abraham Nuñez was thrown out at home), and then Aaron Rowand followed with a game-tying RBI single. In the 9th, Alex Gonzalez reached on an error and one out later, Jimmy Rollins was intentionally walked. Bobby Abreu came and hit a walk-off HR off Tim Hamulack (despite the loss, his ERA is still 0.00). The Dodgers should be ashamed to let the last winless team break into the win column at their expense. But who cares? JD Drew, Philadelphia's favorite son, is still cashing in his $11M paycheck, Nomar is being paid $6M to sit on the DL, and Brazoban can make ends meet on a $300,000 salary.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, April 9, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Philadelphia 2 at Citizens Bank Park

W - Brad Penny (2-0)
L - Jon Lieber (0-2)

LA 6 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
PHI 2 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 3-3 (3rd in NL West) (for now)

QUICKIE RECAP: Brad Penny followed up his masterful performance against the Braves with one against his former division rival and punching bag, the Phillies, going 7 innings and allowing only four hits. LA was in desperate need of a good pitching performance, and after blowing a 3-0 lead spectacularly in the opening game of the doubleheader, they finally got it. Bobby Abreu went 3-for-3, driving in both of the Phillies' runs, but that was about it. Ramon Martinez drove in two runs against his former team, and Aaron Fultz fell apart in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won the series for the second consecutive year in Philly, which means we're due for another losing season.

[DodgerBlue81]

We really needed that win to get back to .500
Penny has gotten off to an excellent start. Meanwhile, Furcal has not.

[DodgerBlue81]

:clapping Very good win today to go over .500
Repko is on fire :cool:

[DownUnderDodger]

I broke my leg so I was excited to see some baseball today :(
Not good news - here's to a speedy and complete recovery!!

[mojorisin71]

Monday, April 10, 2006

Los Angeles 8, Pittsburgh 3 at PNC Park

W - Odalis Perez (1-0)
L - Zach Duke (0-1)

LA 8 runs, 11 hits, 1 error
PIT 3 runs, 14 hits, 1 error

HR - Jason Repko, LA (1), Olmedo Saenz, LA (1)

Dodgers' record - 4-3 (3rd in NL West)

Everyone across the country called out Dodger management when Jim Tracy "parted ways" with the organization, pointing out his track record here in LA (four winning seasons and one division title) and saying how he'll be successful in Pittsburgh. These people must not know much about the West Coast. For one thing, managing a small-market team is nothing like leading a team that plays in the nation's second-largest market. And the Dodgers never started 1-7 under Tracy. Zach Duke, who dominated the Dodgers in his first start against them last year, found himself in a lot of trouble early on, allowing a 2-run HR to Jason Repko and a triple by Cody Ross. Olmedo Saenz continued his destruction of Pittsburgh pitching, going 3-for-4 with a HR, and in his last 15 ABs at PNC Park, he has 10 hits. The Pirates wish they had him in their lineup. Of course, under Tracy, he'd only start against left-handers.

Today's (tonight on the East Coast) game will feature Jae Seo in his first start for the Dodgers against Ian Snell.

[DodgerBlue81]

:grouchy another 1 run loss
another game with horrible pitching.
back to .500, we need tomorrow's game

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, April 10, 2006

Pittsburgh 7, Los Angeles 6 at PNC Park

W - Salomon Torres (1-1)
L - Lance Carter (0-1)
S - Mike Gonzalez (1)

PIT 7 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
LA 6 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors

HR - Bill Mueller, LA (1, 2), Ricky Ledée, LA (1), Jeromy Burnitz, PIT (2), Ryan Doumit, PIT (2), Jack Wilson, PIT (2), Craig Wilson, PIT (2)

Dodgers' record - 4-4 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Old Dodgers have a habit of sticking it to LA. First it was Shawn Green last year, and now it's Jeromy "No Hitz" Burnitz, who hit a whopping .204 as a member of the Dodgers back in 2003. The Dodgers once again jumped out to an early lead, but the Pirates chipped away slowly. Jae Seo left with a 6-5 lead, but Lance Carter couldn't hold it, as Craig Wilson hit a game-tying homer, and Ryan Doumit hit a sac fly to give the Pirates the lead, and as often happens with the Dodgers, they run out of gas early. Olmedo Saenz, Pirate killer, was brought in to pinch-hit, and in typical Dodger fashion, he was the last out of the game. Bill Mueller hit two HRs and went 4-for-4, but he was the only Dodger who did any damage last night. I guess we can safely say that Tracy is haunting the Dodgers.

[DodgerBlue81]

Our pitching is horrible. Tomko sucks, and except for Baez, the whole bullpen sucks. :grouchy :mad:
We have to win tomorrow's game.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, April 11, 2006

Pittsburgh 9, Los Angeles 5 at PNC Park

W - Salomon Torres (2-1)
L - Hong-Chih Kuo (0-1)

PIT 9 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
LA 5 runs, 14 hits, 1 error

HR - Jose Cruz, Jr., LA (1), Craig Wilson, PIT (3,4), Jack Wilson, PIT (3), Freddy Sanchez, PIT (1)

Dodgers' record - 4-5 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers have not lost to a starting pitcher this year. But all of their losses have been charged to the bullpen. Yesterday's game followed the same old pattern: Dodgers get an early lead, opponents chip away, opponents take the lead, Dodgers offense shuts down, game over. Craig Wilson hit two HRs to lead the Pirates, and Yhency Brazoban killed all hope for a Dodger rally, as the Pirates took the first two games of the four-game set. Brett Tomko wasn't particularly intimidating, as he left the game trailing 5-3, but Cody Ross and Rafael Furcal bailed him out with RBI hits. Enter Hong-Chih Kuo, who allowed a 2-run HR to Wilson, and the Dodgers lose a second time to Tracy. Which brings up the question: Is there any difference between Little and Tracy?

[Elvis]

Which brings up the question: Is there any difference between Little and Tracy?

I think it's a wee bit premature to ask that question. It's not even Tax Day yet.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, April 12, 2006

Los Angeles 13, Pittsburgh 5 at PNC Park

W - Derek Lowe (1-1)
L - Oliver Perez (0-2)

LA 13 runs, 15 hits, 1 error
PIT 5 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (2), Cody Ross, LA (1,2), Jeromy Burnitz, PIT (3)

Dodgers' record - 5-5 (3rd in NL West) (for now)

QUICKIE RECAP: Cody Ross' career game might have been his last for the Dodgers, as he started today's game in right field because JD Drew took the day off and Kenny Lofton is ready to come off the disabled list, which means that if Ross is sent down to Las Vegas, he'll have to clear waivers first. He hit a grand slam and a three-run shot in successive at-bats, driving in seven runs, the most by a Dodger player since Shawn Green's historic game against the Brewers four years ago, and Olmedo Saenz continued his destruction of Pirates pitching, driving in four runs, going 8-for-14 in the series. Derek Lowe allowed four runs in six innings, evening his record at 1-1, and Tim Hamulack, Franquelis Osoria, and Takashi Saito shut the door on the Pirates (not really, since Osoria allowed a run to the Bucs in the 8th) as the Dodgers split the series at PNC Park before heading back to LA to take on the first-place Giants, who as I type this are playing the first game of a doubleheader against the Astros.

Interesting note: Ross entered the game with eight career RBIs, and he almost doubled that total today. Once Lofton comes back, I wouldn't mind seeing one of the relievers being sent down to Vegas.

[DodgerBlue81]

Very big win. What got into Cody Ross? :crazy Saenz is on fire, and Lowe actually pitched a decent game.

[mojorisin71]

Saenz was asked why he hit so well against the Pirates, and he answered something to the tune of "It's the view from home plate."

[Elvis]

Saenz rhymes with Heinz...
Olmedo rhymes with tomato...
Heinz is made in Pittsburgh...
Heinz is made from tomatoes...
Saenz is the Killer tomato...

It's obvious why he does well against them. :D

[DodgerBlue81]

Saenz was asked why he hit so well against the Pirates, and he answered something to the tune of "It's the view from home plate."

Yeah, it must be something because he totally owns them. Although that view doesn't help a lot of hitters, so maybe it's just a fluke.

[DodgerBlue81]

Saenz rhymes with Heinz...
Olmedo rhymes with tomato...
Heinz is made in Pittsburgh...
Heinz is made from tomatoes...
Saenz is the Killer tomato...

It's obvious why he does well against them. :D

LOL, that's interesting :laugh

[mojorisin71]

Saenz rhymes with Heinz...
Olmedo rhymes with tomato...
Heinz is made in Pittsburgh...
Heinz is made from tomatoes...
Saenz is the Killer tomato...

It's obvious why he does well against them. :D
Absolute genius.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, April 14, 2006

San Francisco 2, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jamey Wright (2-0)
L - Hong-Chih Kuo (0-2)
S - Tim Worrell (4)

SF 2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (1), Randy Winn, SF (1)

Dodgers' record - 5-6 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: I was in the Silver Lake district of LA at around 7:15 (for those unfamiliar with SoCal geography, it's VERY close to Dodger Stadium), and it wasn't raining. I drove onto the 101 heading north into the Valley and at 7:40, I tuned in to KFWB to listen to the game, and there was a rain delay. I got home around 9:30, and the game still hadn't started. It finally began after a 1:57 rain delay, and surprisingly, last night's game featured a pitching duel between 16-game loser Jamey Wright and Brad Penny. Randy Winn led off the 4th with a HR, but Jeff Kent evened the score with a HR in the 6th. Penny had to leave after the 6th due to a bruised arm caused by a Steve Finley comebacker, and the bullpen came in to attempt to hold the lead. Tim Hamulack walked both Finley and Barry Bonds before Ray Durham popped out to the catcher and Takashi Saito forced Lance Niekro to ground into a double play. Hong-Chih Kuo came into the 9th inning and gave up a leadoff single to Omar Vizquel, who advanced to second on a wild pitch. One out later, Durham hit a sac fly to deep right to win the game. Bonds hit no HR and his average dropped to .167. I can safely say that he will not tie Ruth's record in LA.

[DodgerBlue81]

Tough loss last night. Another excellent game by Penny.
Kuo stinks, and Furcal can't buy a hit. :grouchy
Must win tonight. We're already 2 games behind the Giants; they're 6-3 and Bonds hasn't done anything.

[UnderPressure]

According to someone I know who went to the game last night, about ten Giant fans got ejected for safety reasons after because Dodger fans threw popcorn and/or cracker jacks at them.

[DodgerBlue81]

It was a good win last night to get over .500 and tie the Giants. Odalis Perez actually pitched a decent game

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Los Angeles 3, San Francisco 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Odalis Perez (2-0)
L - Jason Schmidt (0-2)
S - Danys Baez (3)

LA 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
SF 1 run, 5 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 6-6 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Another pitching duel, and this time Odalis Perez and the Dodgers came out on top. Jason Schmidt had an off-night, walking seven batters and allowing two runs in six innings, and Barry Bonds was held to a 9th-inning double as the Dodgers evened the series at one game apiece. Kenny Lofton drove in a run with an RBI triple and Dioner Navarro drove in two runs with an RBI groundout and an RBI single. And the Dodger bullpen actually held the lead this time (granted, Perez went 7 innings). Today's game is on ESPN, as Brad Hennessey faces off against Jae Seo in the rubber game of the three-game series.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, April 16, 2006

San Francisco 2, Los Angeles 0 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Hennessey (1-0)
L - Jae Seo (0-1)
S - Tim Worrell (5)

SF 2 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
LA 0 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 6-7 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: At this point, it's surprising to see the Dodgers trailing the Rockies by 1½ games in the standings. It's also surprising to see the Giants stay 3 games over .500 despite their inability to hit the ball (Randy Winn, Omar Vizquel and Moises Alou are the only ones with decent numbers so far). But then again, our pitching has been losing games this young season. Vizquel led off the sixth with a double and advanced to third on Mark Sweeney's single. Then after an 0-2 count to Barry Bonds, he made a throwing motion towards first base after stepping off the mound, and the umps called a balk, scoring Vizquel. Bonds grounded out and Ray Durham drove in his second run of the series and that was all the Giants would need. Jeff Kent was hit in the head with a pitch in the seventh and suffered a slight concussion (it reminded me of the Piazza/Clemens matchup six years ago) and is out indefinitely. Tim Hamulack was ejected for allegedly throwing at Bonds intentionally in the eighth, but it didn't matter anyway as the Dodgers dropped the three-game set at Chavez Ravine. Brad Hennessey went 6 1/3 innings, allowing only three hits as the Giants' bullpen shut out the Dodgers for the first time this season. Next up: the Chicago Cubs, who have not lost a game in Los Angeles since 2004.

[DodgerBlue81]

Tough loss last night. Couldn't score a damn run against Hennessey. :grouchy
We need this game tonight.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, April 17, 2006

Chicago 4, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Greg Maddux (3-0)
L - Brett Tomko (1-1)
S - Ryan Dempster (3)

CHI 4 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 3 hits, 1 error

HR - Todd Walker, CHI (2)

Dodgers' record - 6-8 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: It doesn't matter if you're 26 or 40. These days, if you're pitching against the Dodgers, you're bound to have a good game. On Sunday night, it was Brad Hennessey. Last night it was future Hall-of-Famer Greg Maddux who shut out the mighty Dodgers offense (ever since that 13-5 outburst at PNC, LA has suddenly forgotten how to hit), going 8 innings, allowing only three hits and striking out six. And this guy just turned 40. Brett Tomko couldn't keep up and in the 5th, he crashed and burned, allowing three runs before recording an out. Franquelis Osoria came in and pitched three perfect innings of relief, lowering his ERA to an impressive 6.75. But it was three innings too late, as Todd Walker's HR in the 1st was all the offense the Cubs needed. Tonight's game features Carlos Zambrano against Derek Lowe. Last year, Lowe pitched two games against the Cubs. In the first one, he allowed 13 hits and 6 runs in 5 1/3 innings. In the second, he threw a one-hit shutout. Which Lowe will show up tonight?

In other news, Cody Ross was designated for assignment, and the Dodgers called up Oscar Robles from Vegas. Nice knowing you, Cody.

[DodgerBlue81]

QUICKIE RECAP: It doesn't matter if you're 26 or 40. These days, if you're pitching against the Dodgers, you're bound to have a good game.

They can't score now. They better win tonight, although the offense is struggling again. :grouchy

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Los Angeles 2, Chicago 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Takashi Saito (1-0)
L - Will Ohman (1-1)

LA 2 runs, 6 hits, 1 error
CHI 1 run, 5 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 7-8 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Ever since that 13-5 outburst in Pittsburgh, the Dodgers must have left their bats with Jim Tracy at PNC. They've scored a total of seven runs in the last five games, and unless their pitching can shut down the opposition entirely, then you're looking at the 2003 version of the Dodgers. Last night, they managed only five hits off Carlos Zambrano and two relievers, but Derek Lowe picked up where he left off after his one-hit shutout last August at Wrigley, going 7 innings and allowing only five hits and one run. It looked like it was going to go to extra innings, but in the ninth, reliever Will Ohman walked Kenny Lofton after being ahead 0-2 in the count, and Lofton promptly stole second base. JD Drew lined a single to right field to win it. Yeah, it was nice to even up the series, but how many one-run games can we eke out?

Tonight's game features rookie Sean Marshall against Brad Penny. Last time a Cubs rookie faced off against the Dodgers (John Koronka), he beat them. Stay tuned.

[DodgerBlue81]

Last night's win was good despite only scoring 2 runs. But tonight's disaster was a disgrace. I can't believe we lost this game. Penny pitched well again and it looked like we were going to be back at .500, and the Giants had lost, but no, we choked it. :mad: :grouchy :(

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Chicago 5, Los Angeles 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Scott Williamson (2-0)
L - Danys Baez (0-1)
S - Ryan Dempster (4)

CHI 5 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
LA 4 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors

HR - Jason Repko, LA (2)

Dodgers' record - 7-9 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: NL Central teams better beware when going up against the Dodgers. I'm not talking about wins. I'm talking about injuries to key players. Last year, Scott Rolen ran into Hee-Seop Choi and his season ended. This year, Rafael Furcal ran into Derrek Lee, breaking his wrist and knocking him out for two months. Dodger killer Scott Eyre was also banged up on the play. And that was the momentum the Cubs needed, as they mounted a comeback after being down 4-2. Danys Baez bobbled Jacque Jones's dribbler on the right side for an error after Neifi Perez singled to left and Michael Barrett followed with an RBI single. Ronny Cedeño followed with a two-run single, which finished the Dodgers and put to waste another good pitching performance by Brad Penny, who allowed 2 runs in 6 innings. The Dodgers' bullpen needs some serious tweaking.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, April 21, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Arizona 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Odalis Perez (3-0)
L - Orlando Hernandez (1-3)
S - Danys Baez (4)

LA 6 runs, 11 hits, 1 error
ARI 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (2)

Dodgers' record - 8-9 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Odalis Perez won his first four decisions for the Dodgers in 2005, but was plagued with injuries and finished 7-8. This year, he looks to repeat his 2005 start, as he went 6 innings, allowing only 4 hits and one run and striking out four as the Dodgers woke up against the Diamondbacks, who entered the day tied with the Dodgers for third place. JD Drew homered and drove in three runs as the Dodgers finally clicked on offense after scoring only 11 runs in their previous six games. And with Nomar coming back from the DL, James Loney did all the damage he could do, snapping a 1-1 tie with an RBI double in the 4th inning. Dodger killer Shawn Green drove in a run with a triple, but every time he stepped up to the plate, he was booed. So much for loyalty to past players.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Arizona 5, Los Angeles 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Miguel Batista (2-0)
L - Jae Seo (0-2)
S - Jose Valverde (3)

ARI 5 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
LA 4 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - Johnny Estrada, ARI (2)

Dodgers' record - 8-10 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Diamondbacks went 1-8 at Chavez Ravine in 2004 (granted, it was their 111-loss season). Last year, they became the first visiting team to win 8 games at Dodger Stadium. This time around, they looked like they were about to do the same. Chad Tracy went 4-for-4, and Miguel Batista allowed three runs in five innings despite being hit in the leg on a comebacker as the DBacks fought off a Dodger comeback and took the game 5-4. Jae Seo pitched nothing like the Seo we saw with the Mets at Dodger Stadium, and he didn't even finish the fourth inning. In the 8th inning, Tim Hamulack hit Luis Gonzalez on the head. Apparently, he didn't learn his lesson from last Sunday's Giants game. Nomar came back from the DL, going 2-for-4 and missed out on a game-tying two-run HR when Shawn Green (remember his "lack of hustle"?) caught the ball at the right field fence. But fear not, Green haters. He's only batting .211 with only 1 HR and 2 RBIs. Apparently, the Former Dodger Curse has not affected him this season.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Arizona 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brett Tomko (2-1)
L - Russ Ortiz (0-3)
S - Danys Baez (5)

LA 6 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors
ARI 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (3)

Dodgers' record - 9-10 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Nineteen games into the season, the Dodger HR leader has a grand total of three. There are some Dodgers with two, but one of them got traded to the Reds today for a PTBNL. In any case, the Dodgers have been scoring the majority of their runs the hard way: manufacturing them, which was something they couldn't do much the last couple of years. Bill Mueller hit a two-run double in the first inning after Olmedo Saenz also had an RBI double, and that was all the Dodgers needed against Russ Ortiz, who has forgotten how to win ballgames all of a sudden. Danys Baez got four outs to get his second save of the series, and as of today, Jae Seo is the only winless starter in the rotation (and he's our #4).

In other news, Shawn Green robbed Ricky Ledée of extra bases after making a diving catch in right field, which was something he rarely did in his four years in Los Angeles. I guess the Former Dodger Curse has taken hold of Green after all.

[DodgerBlue81]

Good job winning 2 of 3 against Arizona. But now we need tonight's game. I'm shocked Garciaparra isn't on the DL yet.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, April 25, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Houston 2 at Minute Maid Park

W - Takashi Saito (2-0)
L - Brad Lidge (0-1)
S - Danys Baez (6)

LA 6 runs, 6 hits, 1 error
HOU 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (4), Nomar Garciaparra, LA (1), Lance Berkman, HOU (7)

Dodgers' record - 10-10 (3rd in NL West)

This game started out like the typical Dodger game: good pitching but no offense. Andy Pettitte faced off against Derek Lowe in what figured to be a continuation of their Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, but this time, Pettitte dominated the Dodgers, taking a no-hitter into the seventh as JD Drew continued his hot streak with his game-tying fourth HR. Lowe then gave way to Takashi Saito in the 8th and he gave up a two-out HR to Lance Berkman, raising his ERA to 0.90. In the 9th, however, Brad Lidge allowed a one-out triple to Kenny Lofton and back-to-back walks to Drew and Jeff Kent and then Nomar hit a grand slam to seal the game. Lance Carter came in and allowed Preston Wilson and Jason Lane to get on base before Danys Baez came in and got Adam Everett to ground into a game-ending double play. Saito remains the only reliever to register a win for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers will send Brad Penny to the mound against Fernando Nieve tomorrow. We should see another starting pitchers' duel.

[Gagne#3 8]

This team is beginning to click but I hate to see Loney not playing but in exchange for wins I will take that every day

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Houston 4, Los Angeles 3 at Minute Maid Park

W - Ezequiel Astacio (2-0)
L - Hong-Chih Kuo (0-3)

HOU 4 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 10-11 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers and Astros played the longest regular-season game at the Juicebox (aka "Minute Maid Park"), and like the 18-inning marathon in the NLDS against the Braves, the Astros ended up in the win column. The Dodgers came back against Brad Lidge for the second straight night, but this time around, Nomar came up with another chance to do some more damage, but he was retired on a flyout. And aside from Hong-Chih Kuo, the bullpen actually extended the game, and Lance Carter even got out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the 12th. Starter Fernando Nieve only lasted 4 2/3 innings, and the Astros used a total of eight pitchers (Dave Borkowski went 4 innings). Tonight's game features left-handers Odalis Perez against Wandy Rodriguez. Both are 3-0, but Perez has never beaten Houston in his career. Stay tuned.

[DodgerBlue81]

Two bad losses after the Nomar grand slam game. Nomar, Kent, and Furcal have to hit.
Odalis Perez and Kuo stink. :mad:

[Jake83]

Seo stepped up lets sweep the Madres this weekend and try to climb within a game of Colorado.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Houston 8, Los Angeles 5 at Minute Maid Park

W - Wandy Rodriguez (4-0)
L - Odalis Perez (3-1)

HOU 8 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
LA 5 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

HR - Jason Repko, LA (3), Lance Berkman, HOU (8)

Dodgers' record - 10-12 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Three of the Dodgers' regulars are batting under the Mendoza Line. And when you start a guy who has never beaten the Astros in his career, you're not helping your cause. Odalis Perez went 4 1/3 innings, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 11 hits, and Wandy Rodriguez shut down the Dodgers for 7 innings, allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs as the Astros cruised to their second straight series win against the Dodgers at Minute Maid Park. The Dodgers however, refused to go away quietly, as they chased Ezequiel Astacio in the 9th inning, scoring three runs and raising his ERA to a hefty 27.00. Dan Wheeler came in and shut the door on Los Angeles, sending them to yet another series loss. Maybe Grady Little isn't cut out to be a National League manager...

[mojorisin71]

Friday, April 28, 2006

Los Angeles 3, San Diego 0 at PETCO Park

W - Jae Seo (1-2)
L - Chris Young (2-2)
S - Danys Baez (7)

LA 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
SD 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 11-12 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers, as bad as they were last year, still managed to take the season series from the NL West champs, the San Diego Padres. Last night was more of the same. The Dodgers weren't really hitting, but neither were the Padres. Chris Young only allowed one hit through 5 innings, but then Dioner Navarro exploded with an RBI single and his first career stolen base off former Dodger and future Dodger HOFer (I don't care that he said he'd prefer to go in as a Met) Mike Piazza. JD Drew drove in the other two runs in the 8th and Jae Seo atoned for his disastrous performance against the DBacks last Saturday, going 6 innings and only allowing two hits and retiring the last 10 batters he faced. Tim Hamulack, Takashi Saito, and Danys Baez retired all nine men they faced to complete the two-hit shutout.

SIDE NOTE: Hamulack, Saito, and Baez all have a sub-1.00 ERA and are a combined 2-2.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Los Angeles 4, San Diego 2 at PETCO Park

W - Brett Tomko (3-1)
L - Clay Hensley (1-2)
S - Danys Baez (8)

LA 4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
SD 2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (2)

Dodgers' record - 12-12 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers have struggled on offense, as previously mentioned (three of their regulars are below or hovering dangerously near the Mendoza Line), but as bad as the Dodgers have been, the Padres were worse, scoring a total of five runs during their five-game losing streak. Brett Tomko, our #5 starter got his third win of the season, tying him with Odalis Perez for the team lead. Nomar hit his second HR and JD Drew hit a 2-run single and that was all the Dodgers needed to assure themselves of a series win at PETCO. The last 15 Padre batters were retired, and Takashi Saito lowered his ERA to 0.69. He sorta reminds me of former Padres reliever and current Ranger closer Akinori Otsuka. Of course, this means he'll have a sophomore slump next year.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, April 30, 2006

San Diego 6, Los Angeles 5 in 10 innings at PETCO Park

W - Scott Linebrink (2-2)
L - Tim Hamulack (0-2)

SD 6 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
LA 5 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - Bill Mueller, LA (3)

Dodgers' record - 12-13 (T-3rd in NL West)

The Padres scored five runs in a five-game losing streak. Then they scored five runs in ONE INNING. Enough said. Click here (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=42768) for fan reaction to this game.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, May 1, 2006

Arizona 3, Los Angeles 2 at Chase Field

W - Claudio Vargas (3-1)
L - Brad Penny (2-1)
S - Jose Valverde (6)

ARI 3 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
LA 2 runs, 8 hits, 1 error

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 12-14 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: One of the most overused sports clichés is "Hindsight is 20-20," and it applied perfectly well to the Shawn Green-for-Dioner Navarro-and-three-minor-leaguers trade in December of 2004. Green wanted out of LA, and he hasn't stopped sticking it to his former team since. He went 2-for-4 and scored what turned out to be the winning run in the third inning, and to add insult to injury, he robbed JD Drew of what would have been a go-ahead HR in the 4th. Brad Penny pitched 6 innings and allowed three runs in the 3rd without getting an out, and that was all the damage the DBacks had to do to back Claudio Vargas, who drove in the winning run. The Dodger offense fell silent as usual, but even the loss couldn't ruin the general good feeling around Dodgertown: Lance Carter and Hong-Chih Kuo both got demoted to Las Vegas, and Joe Beimel and Jonathan Broxton were called up to replace them.

SIDE NOTE: Beimel wore #97 last night, which makes him the highest-numbered Dodger in both team and franchise history.

[DodgerBlue81]

Should have swept San Diego. That game on Sunday was a disgrace. :mad:
And then they lost another 1 run game last night, they really need this game tonight.
And when the hell are Furcal and Kent going to hit?

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Arizona 10, Los Angeles 8 at Chase Field

W - Luis Vizcaíno (1-2)
L - Takashi Saito (2-1)
S - Jose Valverde (7)

ARI 10 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
LA 8 runs, 13 hits, 1 error

HR - JD Drew, LA (5,6), Chad Tracy, ARI (4), Shawn Green, ARI (2)

Dodgers' record - 12-15 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: No lead is safe for the Dodgers. Two days removed from losing a 5-run lead in the bottom of the 9th and losing the game in extra innings, Odalis Perez was handed a 6-0 lead heading into the 5th, and to no one's amazement, he lost it. Shawn Green homered to lead off the inning, and then Andy Green walked, Chris Snyder, who had become Barry Bonds all of a sudden, walked, and one out later, Craig Counsell, another former Dodger singled in a run, and two batter later, Chad Tracy (no relation to Jim) hit a game-tying grand slam. Perez couldn't get anyone out, as Jonathan Broxton allowed the go-ahead run and just like that, a 6-0 lead had turned into a 7-6 deficit. JD Drew homered in the 7th to tie the game, but Takashi Saito allowed two runs in the bottom half of the inning, as the DBacks completed the two-game sweep. Green went 4-for-4 with 2 walks, and he robbed Rafael Furcal of an extra-base hit with another catch at the wall. Former Dodgers just can't help sticking it to their former teams (i.e. Counsell, Jeromy Burnitz, etc.)

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

San Diego 11, Los Angeles 5 at Dodger Stadium

W - Scott Cassidy (1-0)
L - Franquelis Osoria (0-2)

SD 11 runs, 17 hits, 0 errors
LA 5 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (3), Dioner Navarro, LA (2), Andre Ethier, LA (1), Josh Barfield, SD (3), Mark Bellhorn, SD (2), Geoff Blum, SD (1)

Dodgers' record - 12-16 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Curse of Lance Carter has affected the Dodgers since his disastrous outing last Sunday at PETCO. And when he got sent down, he seemed to have the last laugh in LA. The Dodgers fell behind 4-1 in the 7th, but pinch-hitter Olmedo Saenz briefly lifted our hopes in Dodgertown with a game-tying HR. And in the 8th, all hell broke loose, as Franquelis Osoria allowed a single to Vinny Castilla and back-to-back HRs to rookie Josh Barfield and Geoff Blum. And before the inning was over, Osoria allowed two more runs to make it impossible for a comeback, despite Bruce Bochy's attempts to give it to them by sending Dewon Brazelton to pitch the 9th inning (he did allow Andre Ethier's first career HR). Danys Baez allowed two more runs in the 9th to cap the scoring. That 9th inning on Sunday seemed to ignite the Padres, as they've won 4 straight and the Dodgers haven't won since. Things don't look good for LA, as they have one more game tonight against San Diego and then host the Brewers, who despite being in 5th place, they have a 15-12 record and are sending two of their aces against LA in the series. The Dodgers' elimination number has dropped to 133 as of May 3.

SIDE NOTE: The flags at Dodger Stadium flew at half-staff in memory of Steve Howe, killed two hours east of LA in Coachella, CA last week. RIP.

[DodgerBlue81]

:mad: Last place, and probably will stay there the rest of the season. This team is a joke, I think only the Royals worse. I don't see them not finishing last. Furcal and Kent can't hit. Navarro can't hit and can't throw anyone out, and there's no pitching except for Penny and Baez. Lowe and Tomko have been OK, but Odalis Perez is a disgrace, and the bullpen is horrible. :mad:

[UnderPressure]

About time to win. Not a bad debut for Russ Martin.

[Jake83]

Watching what the Angels are doing while struggling makes you want to see Loney back, Matrin, Guzman and the young pitchers.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, May 4, 2006

San Diego 3, Los Angeles 0 at Dodger Stadium

W - Alan Embree (1-0)
L - Takashi Saito (2-2)
S - Trevor Hoffman (5)

SD 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
LA 0 runs, 2 hits, 2 errors

HR - Khalil Greene, SD (5)

Dodgers' record - 12-17 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers are quickly sinking to new depths. Just two days after I endorsed Takashi Saito as the only reliable arm in the pen, he gives up a three-run HR to Jeff Spicoli to undo the work Brett Tomko did (7 innings, 5 hits and no runs). It was another pitching duel between Tomko and Clay Hensley, but it almost ended five innings earlier, as Andre Ethier broke his bat on a pitch and the barrel hit him on the back of the head. He managed to go 6 innings and only allow two hits. Alan Embree, Scott Linebrink, and Trevor Hoffman shut the door on the Dodger offense, who had two starters and the pitcher all batting around or less than .200. So when you only manage two hits off a pitcher who got hit in the head, it comes as no surprise.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, May 5, 2006

Los Angeles 4, Milwaukee 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Danys Baez (1-1)
L - Matt Wise (2-2)

LA 4 runs, 13 hits, 2 errors
MIL 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - Carlos Lee, MIL (13)

Dodgers' record - 13-17 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Dioner Navarro went on the 15-day DL yesterday after taking a foul tip off Vinny Castilla's bat on Thursday. In other words, it was an excuse to bench him. Russell Martin became the third Dodger to make his major league debut this season and he went 2-for-4 with a 2-run double and he tagged out what would have been the go-ahead run in the 8th, but the Dodger bullpen faltered again, as they let Derek Lowe's 7-inning, 2-run performance go to waste as Tim Hamulack failed to get anyone out and Danys Baez let the winning run score on a wild pitch. LA pounded Chris Capuano for 10 hits and 3 run in 6 innings, but they needed a Furcal slap single and a Nomar single down the RF line to win it in the bottom of the 9th. Last night was the fourth consecutive no-decision for Lowe, who despite his 3.05 ERA, has only one win to show for it.

[UnderPressure]

Nomah came up big again, but the bullpen still blows.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, May 6, 2006

Los Angeles 5, Milwaukee 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Danys Baez (2-1)
L - Chris Demaria (0-1)

LA 5 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
MIL 4 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 14-17 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This game looked eerily similar to Friday night's game in that the score was tied 3-3 in the 8th inning, Danys Baez allowed the game-tying run to score, and for the second straight night, Nomar had a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 9th to cap off his 3-for-5-with-3-RBI night as the Dodgers won consecutive home games for the first time this season. Ben Hendrickson started for the Brewers as Tomo Ohka went on the DL, and he gave up 3 runs in 5 innings. Brad Penny wasn't sharp (7 hits and 6 walks in 5 1/3 innings), but he still left with a tie game. Baez was in line to pick up his 9th save, but allowed a double to Carlos Lee and an RBI single to Bill Hall in the 9th inning. In the bottom half with one out, though, Kenny Lofton doubled and Nomar singled to almost the exact same spot to send him home and to win the game and the series. The Dodgers may have won, but the pen needs serious fixing. And that includes the closer.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, May 7, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Milwaukee 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Aaron Sele (1-0)
L - Dave Bush (2-4)

LA 10 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
MIL 2 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (4), Russell Martin, LA (1), Rafael Furcal, LA (1), Carlos Lee, MIL (14)

Dodgers' record - 15-17 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Odalis Perez was scheduled to start this game for the Dodgers, but his mother is seriously ill and he was placed on the bereavement list as he is currently in the Dominican Republic to be with her. Aaron Sele was called up from Las Vegas to start, and in his first career NL start, he did a heck of a good job, going 6 2/3 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and he left to a standing ovation in the 7th. Dave Bush, the Brew Crew's spot starter (Ben Sheets had some tightness in his shoulder), didn't fare as well, getting pounded for 8 hits and 6 runs in 6 innings. Russell Martin hit his first career HR in the 2nd to snap a 1-1 tie, and the Dodgers never looked back, as Olmedo Saenz and Rafael Furcal each hit 2-run jacks to sweep the Brewers and move out of the cellar. It's very awkward to say that the Dodgers are 4 games behind the first-place Rockies in May, but then again, this is baseball.

[DownUnderDodger]

I finally got to see a Dodger game on TV which happened to be game 3 of the series against Houston - of course we would be given the worst of the 3 game series :grouchy

It may have been a win without the errors - Mueller, what were you thinking?? Crucial mistakes which cost 3 runs in a 2 run game!! Then again, who knows how the game would have gone had the errors not happened??

One thing that pleases me is that Colorado are the pace setters - they must be there on sufferance - aren't they :confused:

[Elvis]

Mueller out 4-6 weeks with a knee scope :crazy Oh well, more chances to watch the kids play. Can Izzy play 3rd?

[Elvis]

Starters are looking solid now, even Seo pitched well. :clapping

Too bad Danny "Look - I can thow a fastball" Baez prevented us from a Gint sweep:mad:

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Los Angeles 12, Houston 7 at Dodger Stadium

W - Takashi Saito (3-2)
L - Dan Wheeler (0-2)

LA 12 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
HOU 7 runs, 14 hits, 2 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (7), Nomar Garciaparra, LA (3), Jeff Kent, LA (2), Morgan Ensberg, HOU (10), Jason Lane, HOU (8), Adam Everett, HOU (2)

Dodgers' record - 16-17 (T-4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers' offense suddenly exploded after the disastrous series against the DBacks and Padres, but it looks like they'll have to make do without Jason Repko, who busted his ankle trying to rob Morgan Ensberg of a HR in the 1st inning. Andy Pettitte, who one-hit the Dodgers the last time he faced LA, was less than stellar this time around as Dodger Stadium turned into a West Coast replica of Minute Maid Park, as Pettitte gave up 6 runs in 5 innings. Jae Seo was worse, allowing as many runs in 3 2/3 innings. Franquelis Osoria, Jonathan Broxton, and Takashi Saito pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball, and the Dodgers pounded Mike Gallo, Dan Wheeler, and Dave Borkowski for six rung in the 8th, capped by Jeff Kent's 2-run shot, his first HR since April 14. Joe Beimel allowed his first run of the season in the 9th, but the gap was too big to lose, as evidenced by the Padres' resurgence at PETCO.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Los Angeles 9, Houston 6 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brett Tomko (4-1)
L - Taylor Buchholz (2-2)

LA 9 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
HOU 6 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (4), Jeff Kent, LA (3), Rafael Furcal, LA (2), Lance Berkman, HOU (12)

Dodgers' record - 17-17 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: After the Padres' disaster at PETCO, the Dodgers slid into a 5-game funk. Now they're out of it, as the Dodger offense has suddenly woken up, and after much bashing and slamming, the Dodgers made it back to .500 as they pounded Taylor Buchholz for 12 hits and 8 runs in 4 1/3 innings (his ERA stood at 3.82 after the outing) and Jeff Kent raised his average almost 40 points since the start of the Brewers series, going 2-for-3 with a HR for the second straight game. Brett Tomko one-hit the Astros for 6 innings, but that damn bullpen almost blew a 9-0 lead, as Tim Hamulack gave up three runs in the 7th and Franquelis Osoria gave up three more in the 9th. The Dodger offense made Danys Baez a winner twice against the Brewers, but how long can it bail the bullpen out?

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Houston 4, Los Angeles 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Wandy Rodriguez (5-1)
L - Derek Lowe (1-2)
S - Dan Wheeler (1)

HOU 4 runs, 6 hits, 0 error
LA 2 runs, 6 hits, 3 errors

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (4)

Dodgers' record - 17-18 (T-4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: One can say that the Dodgers missed a chance to get back over .500 since the start of the Pirates series last month, but when you're up against a pitcher with one of the highest run supports in the league, it's kinda difficult to do when you've used up your run quota in the previous five games. Wandy Rodriguez took a shutout into the 7th inning as he stopped the Dodgers' winning streak, despite Brad Lidge's meltdown in the 9th, as he was pulled from the game with the bases loaded and one out. Derek Lowe allowed 2 unearned runs in 7 innings, but other than Lidge, LA couldn't get to the Astros' pitching, as Dan Wheeler needed just two pitches to end all hopes for a Dodger comeback. Nevertheless, the Dodgers were five games below .500 one week prior to this game and now they're hovering around .500. We're just waiting for another bullpen collapse.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, May 12, 2006

Los Angeles 6, San Francisco 1 at AT&T Park

W - Brad Penny (3-1)
L - Matt Morris (2-4)

LA 6 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors
SF 1 run, 4 hits, 0 errors

HR - Pedro Feliz, SF (6)

Dodgers' record - 18-18 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: I figured that Bonds' 714th (and possibly 715th) would come against the Dodgers this weekend, as his 500th, 71st, 72nd, and 73rd all came against the Dodgers at Pac Bell/SBC/AT&T. Enter Brad Penny, who had Bonds batting .385 against him with 3 HRs, and the stage was set for history. And in the end, Bonds went 0-for-3 with a walk, as Penny two-hit the Giants and Joe Beimel (a pleasant surprise in the pen) and Takashi Saito held down the fort and LA won for the sixth time in seven games. All eyes were on Bonds, of course, but in the 8th, he was caught in a potential baserunning blunder, as Bonds popped up to Jeff Kent with Mark Sweeney at first, but Kent dropped the ball. Kent threw to second for the force, and almost doubled up Bonds, who made a half-hearted attempt to run it out. Bonds has said that with Moises Alou on the DL, he'll play every game for the Giants. Which isn't necessarily a good thing, as the 8th inning pointed out.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, May 13, 2006

San Francisco 6, Los Angeles 5 at AT&T Park

W - Armando Benitez (2-0)
L - Danys Baez (2-2)

SF 6 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
LA 5 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (5), Jeff Kent, LA (5)

Dodgers' record - 18-19 (T-4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: FIVE seems to be an unlucky number for the Dodgers. They had a FIVE-run lead against the Padres at PETCO before San Diego scored FIVE runs in the 9th inning. That game started a FIVE-game losing streak. And the Dodgers had scored FIVE runs before the 9th inning before Danys Baez took the mound, wasting a seven-inning outing for Aaron Sele and the chance to give Noah Lowry his first career loss against the Dodgers. Steve Finley, who was the key player in another memorable comeback in a Dodgers/Giants game led off the 9th with a double, Pedro Feliz reached on an error, and Ray Durham flied out to right. Lance Niekro singled Finley home, Todd Greene doubled Feliz home, and Dan Ortmeier singled Niekro home to tie the game. After an intentional pass to Randy Winn, Omar Vizquel hit a sac fly to end the game. Baez is no Gagne (who is?), but he's blown five games already and it's only May.

SIDE NOTE: It's also been FIVE games since Bonds hit #713, and more importantly, the Dodgers have won FIVE World Series since moving to the West Coast.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Los Angeles 6, San Francisco 3 at AT&T Park

W - Odalis Perez (4-1)
L - Steve Kline (1-1)
S - Joe Beimel (1)

LA 6 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
SF 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (6), Ray Durham, SF (2)

Dodgers' record - 19-19 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The matchup seemed to be one-sided. Jae Seo vs Jason Schmidt. And amazingly, it turned out to be a pitcher's duel, as both starters pitched three-hit ball for 6 and 7 innings, respectively, and Odalis Perez made his first-ever appearance out of the pen for the Dodgers (he had some bullpen stints in Atlanta), but it was not without the typical Dodger bullpen letdown, as he allowed a game-tying RBI single to Mike Matheny. Then the Dodgers broke it open against Steve Kline in the 8th, as former Giant Ramon Martinez walked and advanced to second on a single by Rafael Furcal. Former Giant Kenny Lofton then laid down a bunt towards third base, as Kline attempted to get the force at 3rd, but the ball went past Omar Vizquel, and two runs scored. Joe Beimel pitched two innings of relief despite allowing a HR to Ray Durham in the 9th, and he retired Bonds all three times he faced him during the series. Surprisingly enough, Bonds 714th didn't come against the Dodgers as expected, and now he'll take the Barry Bonds Media Tour to Houston and back to the Bay Area across the Bay Bridge to Oakland next weekend. Next up: the second-place Rockies at Coors. Ouch.

[west coast orange and black]

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (6)


kent's 5th in his last 6 games.

[Jake83]

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (6)


kent's 5th in his last 6 games.


Perfect timing for heading to Coors Field:) :)

[mojorisin71]

Monday, May 15, 2006

Los Angeles 5, Colorado 4 at Coors Field

W - Brett Tomko (5-1)
L - Ramon Ramirez (2-1)
S - Takashi Saito (1)

LA 5 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
COL 4 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - Jose Cruz, Jr., LA (2), Matt Holliday, COL (11), Brad Hawpe, COL (9)

Dodgers' record - 20-19 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Fresh off the series win at AT&T/SBC/Pac Bell, the Dodgers went to Coors Field to take on the third-place Rockies (they were in second place at gametime). They went up against Josh Fogg, who has surrendered 11 HR to the current Dodger lineup, but he didn't pitch like his old self in Pittsburgh. Granted, he threw more balls than strikes, but he only allowed 4 hits and two runs in 6 innings. Reliever Ramon Ramirez came in and allowed a leadoff walk to opposing pitcher Brett Tomko and a single to Rafael Furcal. Nomar hit a single to right, scoring Tomko on a headfirst slide to snap a 2-2 tie. JD Drew hit a 2-run double to finish off the Rockies. Tomko, the Dodgers' #5 pitcher, went 7 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs and retiring 15 of his last 16 batters. Takashi Saito pitched two innings of relief, and despite allowing Matt Holliday's 11th HR in the 9th, he picked up his first ML save. Grady Little has said that he'll use both Danys Baez and Saito as closers while Gagne is on the DL, but as of this point, which Dodger fan would openly admit to preferring Baez closing out games?

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Colorado 5, Los Angeles 1 at Coors Field

W - Byung-Hyun Kim (2-1)
L - Derek Lowe (1-3)

COL 5 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - Brad Hawpe, COL (10)

Dodgers' record - 20-20 (T-4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Byung-Hyun Kim issued three walks, throws two wild pitches, and allows one hit in the first inning alone, and how many runs do the Dodgers score? One, as Brad Hawpe continued his mastery of the Dodgers, throwing out Kenny Lofton at the plate to stifle any attack the Dodger offense could have mounted. After the wild first inning, Kim only allowed three more hits as he, Jose Mesa, and Scott Dohmann shut down the Dodgers. Derek Lowe allowed 9 hits and 5 runs over 6 innings, as he tied Hong-Chih Kuo for the team lead in losses. Of Hawpe's 22 career HR, seven have come against the Dodgers. And he is 6-for-8 career against Lowe, including two HR. So why did Lowe even pitch to him, especially at Coors?

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Los Angeles 3, Colorado 2 at Coors Field

W - Brad Penny (4-1)
L - Jason Jennings (2-4)
S - Danys Baez (9)

LA 3 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
COL 2 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 21-20 (T-4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers won their second consecutive road series, this time in the tough confines of Coors Field. Brad Penny threw six innings, allowing only six hits and 1 run, and in all nine of his starts, he's allowed less than three runs. Nomar hit a 2-run single, and that was all the offense the Dodgers needed. Even Danys Baez got into the act, getting a five-out save to seal the Dodgers' 9th win in their last 12 since the five-game losing streak. Next up: the Angels, who will send Jeff Weaver tomorrow night. Last year, Jose Lima and his 8.16 ERA threw a two-hit shutout against the Dodgers. So it wouldn't be a surprise if Weaver shuts down the Dodgers.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, May 19, 2006

Los Angeles 16, Los Angeles of Anaheim 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Aaron Sele (2-0)
L - Jeff Weaver (1-7)

LA 16 runs, 25 hits, 1 error
LA of ANA 3 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (2), Vladimir Guerrero, LA of ANA, (11)

Dodgers' record - 22-20 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: There were a lot of people who were upset at the Dodgers letting Jeff Weaver go after posting his first career winning season in 2005. Entering the game, he was 1-6 with a 7.40 ERA, and in his 4 2/3 innings of work, he gave up 11 hits and 4 runs, yet he managed to lower his ERA to 7.30. Aaron Sele, who pitched for the Angels for three seasons, was shaky in the first two innings, giving up five hits, including Vladimir Guerrero's 11th HR in the first, but he did escape a second-and-third, no-out jam in the second. From then on, the Dodgers chipped away at the deficit before exploding in the sixth inning. LA sent 15 men to the plate and had nine hits, and when Willy Aybar grounded out to end the sixth, he left the bases loaded. Jeff Kent was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Aybar hit a 2-run double, Andre Ethier, Russ Martin, and pinch-hitter Olmedo Saenz each had RBI singles, and Rafael Furcal hit a 2-run triple to make the score 12-2. Nomar had an RBI single to finish the scoring. Ethier hit his second career HR in the seventh off Brendan Donnelly, but the scoring wasn't done there. Aybar had an RBI single in the 8th, and Ethier hit a sac fly to make the score 16-2. Lance Carter, recently brought up from Vegas, allowed an RBI groundout to Edgardo Alfonzo (batting .100 [5-for-50]), but even he didn't blow a 14-run lead.

At the end of the day, Ethier went 5-for-5 with 4 runs scored and 3 RBI, Furcal, Nomar, and Martin all had three hits, and every Dodger starting position player had at least two hits each. The Dodgers pounded out a team-record 25 hits in beating the Angels. And amazingly, we're still in 4th place, 1½ games behind the first-place Diamondbacks.

SIDE NOTE: Milton Bradley is on the 15-day DL, and Antonio Perez is batting .040 in Oakland. So who won the deal?

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Los Angeles 8, Los Angeles of Anaheim 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Joe Beimel (1-0)
L - Scot Shields (1-3)

LA 8 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA of ANA 4 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (8), Willy Aybar, LA (1), Dallas McPherson, LA of ANA (1)

Dodgers' record - 23-20 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: For the second straight day, an Angel hit a HR to give LA of Anaheim an early lead. And for the second straight day, the Dodgers chipped away at the lead and eventually burst the floodgates open, as LA scored seven times in their final three ABs and the Dodgers assured themselves of another series win. Dallas McPherson hit a 2-run HR in the first off Brett Tomko, who had an unusually bad outing. Willy Aybar hit a game-tying 3-run jack in the 6th off Kevin Gregg, who aside from that pitch, shut down the Dodgers, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs. Scot Shields came in to pitch the seventh and allowed a pinch-hit go-ahead HR from JD Drew, and they would score four more runs. The Angels dropped to nine games below .500, and it looks vaguely familiar (the Dodgers were sinking quickly at this time last year).

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Los Angeles of Anaheim 0 at Dodger Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (2-3)
L - Ervin Santana (4-2)

LA 7 runs, 10 hits, 1 error
LA of ANA 0 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (3)

Dodgers' record - 24-20 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: 31-7. That was the aggregate score for the 3-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Angels were also outhit 45-24. And they made a winner out of Derek Lowe, who had his best outing of the season, throwing 7 scoreless innings and allowing only three hits and Andre Ethier's HR off Ervin "Don't call me Johan" Santana was all the scoring the Dodgers would need. Jonathan Broxton came in and allowed one hit over two innings, and the Dodgers swept the Freeway Series in LA County. Ethier finished 7-for-13 in the series, which begs the question: What if he had stayed in Oakland?

[mojorisin71]

Monday, May 22, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Colorado 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jae Seo (2-2)
L - Byung-Hyun Kim (2-2)

LA 6 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
COL 1 run, 8 hits, 1 error

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 25-20 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Last night's game was a historical one, as it was the first time two Korean pitchers faced off against each other in a major league game. Jae Seo allowed one run on six hits in seven innings, while Byung-Hyun Kim went six innings, allowing three runs, which would qualify both for the bogus "quality start" stat. After both starters left, the Rockies' bullpen acted more like the Rockies bullpen we all knew from the last couple of years, as Scott Dohmann walked the bases loaded with no out, and former Dodger Tom Martin (remember him?) got JD Drew to ground into a 1-2-3 double play, and two batters later, Russ Martin was walked to force home a run. The Dodgers did more damage in the 8th, as Ramon Martinez singled home a run and Drew had an RBI fielder's choice. Tonight's game features a rematch of last Wednesday's game at Coors, featuring Jason Jennings and Brad Penny.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Los Angeles 8, Colorado 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (5-1)
L - Jason Jennings (2-5)

LA 8 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
COL 1 run, 7 hits, 1 error

HR - Garrett Atkins, COL (7)

Dodgers' record - 26-20 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: It's rare to mention the Rockies not giving a pitcher any run support, but then again, last night's game wasn't played at Coors Field; it was played at Dodger Stadium. Jason Jennings pitched into the seventh with his team down 4-1, and he got pounded for 11 hits and 5 runs. Brad Penny labored through five innings, allowing all four Colorado hits and no runs, but he threw 104 pitches (pitch counts are overrated, but given Penny's arm trouble, Little kinda knew when not to leave him too long). Tim Hamulack came in and allowed UCLA hero Garrett Atkins' seventh HR, but Danys Baez and Takashi Saito closed the door on the Rockies' offense for LA's sixth straight win. Tonight's game features Dodger killer Aaron Cook against Dodger pickup Aaron Sele.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Colorado 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Aaron Sele (3-0)
L - Aaron Cook (5-4)

LA 7 runs, 12 hits, 2 errors
COL 1 run, 4 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 27-20 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Aaron Sele began the year in AAA Vegas, and once Odalis Perez was placed on the bereavement list last month, Sele was called up and all he's done is go 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA in four starts. And like his last start against the Angels, he had plenty of run support. Rafael Furcal and Jeff Kent had three hits each, raising their averages to over .254 and .258 respectively, and they finally beat Dodger killer Aaron Cook. Russ Martin had three RBIs, raising his total to 13 RBIs in 17 games, and LA is 15-2 whenever he starts. The kid needs some rest, but Sandy Alomar hasn't played in a while, and Dioner Navarro is still on the DL and could be out of a job anyway. Jonathan Broxton had his first career plate appearance and he drew a walk, which is surprising given his size. The Dodgers swept a 6-game homestand for the first time in 12 years, and have won seven straight overall. After an off day, they will play the surging Nationals and the Braves.

As for Perez, he has only pitched one inning since his demotion to the pen, and I think we'd be better off with him staying there.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, May 26, 2006

Washington 10, Los Angeles 4 at RFK Stadium

W - Livan Hernandez (3-5)
L - Brett Tomko (5-2)

WAS 10 runs, 16 hits, 1 error
LA 4 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

HR - Jose Cruz, Jr., LA (3), Alfonso Soriano, WAS (17)

Dodgers' record - 27-21 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: It had to end sometime. The Dodgers' longest winning streak this season came to a crashing end, as they ran into the red-hot Washington Nationals at RFK. Livan Hernandez allowed 6 hits and three runs in seven innings, but those numbers were misleading, as he only allowed two hits and no runs through six, and he escaped with no damage (Willy Aybar got thrown out by left-fielder Alfonso Soriano trying to stretch a single into a double). Soriano did more damage with the bat, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and a HR, and rookie Ryan Zimmerman drove in three runs, and that was all the run support Hernandez needed. Brett Tomko fell to earth, allowing 6 runs on 9 hits in 4 2/3 innings, and Odalis Perez shockingly was the only pitcher who didn't allow any runs. Lance Carter's ERA is at 8.49, and it is beyond me why he is still on the Dodgers' roster.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Los Angeles 3, Washington 1 at RFK Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (3-3)
L - Mike Stanton (1-5)
S - Takashi Saito (2)

LA 3 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
WAS 1 run, 8 hits, 1 error

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 28-21 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Russ Martin has played in 18 games, and the Dodgers are 16-2 whenever he starts. Last night, he didn't play and the Dodgers got pounded. Today, he was back in the lineup and although he only went 1-for-3, LA won for the seventh time in eighth games (and 16th out of 20) when Nomar hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth off former Dodger farmhand Gary Majewski. Rafael Furcal continued to beef up his average, going 3-for-5 and his BA now stands at .266. Derek Lowe finally evened up his record, pitching seven innings and allowing only five hits and one run. Takashi Saito pitched the ninth for his second save. But another Dodger fell victim to an injury, as Jeff Kent hurt his wrist, and in his own words, is day-to-day. Currently there are eight Dodgers on the DL, and none are ready to come off anytime soon.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Washington 10, Los Angeles 4 at RFK Stadium

W - Ramon Ortiz (3-4)
L - Jae Seo (2-3)

WAS 10 runs, 16 hits, 0 errors
LA 4 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (5), Alfonso Soriano, WAS (18), Nick Johnson, WAS (11, 12), Ryan Zimmerman, WAS (8)

Dodgers' record - 28-22 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Washington Nationals have been injury-plagued this year (they currently have five players on the 60-day DL), and yet they still found a way to win the series against the Dodgers. Jae Seo had his shortest outing as a Dodger, lasting only 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits and six runs, as the Nats broke the game open with five runs in the third inning. Alfonso Soriano hit his second HR in three games, and Nick Johnson hit two HR as Washington hammered Dodger pitching. The Dodgers, having injury problems of their own, started four rookies yesterday, as Matt Kemp was called up from AA Jacksonville, and LA also started Andre Ethier, Russ Martin, and Willy Aybar. Kemp struck out three times before getting his first big-league hit, a single off Jon Rauch in the 8th. The Dodgers' string of six straight series wins is over, but more importantly, Lance Carter is no longer a Dodger, at least until the next injury happens. And Jeff Kent had a bum wrist. Anyone up for Giovanni Carrara's third stint with the Dodgers?

[mojorisin71]

Monday, May 29, 2006

Los Angeles 12, Atlanta 5 at Turner Field

W - Joe Beimel (2-0)
L - John Thomson (2-4)

LA 12 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
ATL 5 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors

HR - Ramon Martinez, LA (1)

Dodgers' record - 29-22 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: One day after Barry Bonds hit his 715th HR, the Dodgers traveled to the very city where Hank Aaron hit his 715th against Los Angeles, and they ran into John Thomson. Or should I say, John Thomson ran into the Dodgers. He gave up three straight hits to start the game and Edgar Renteria's wild throw to first and Chipper Jones' errant throw home allowed two runs to score, and in the second, it got worse for Thomson. He allowed three consecutive hits to start the second inning, and Matt Kemp's first career RBI (on a sac fly) was the only out he got in the inning. Lance Cormier came in and got Russ Martin to ground into an inning-ending double play. That should have been enough for the Dodgers, but Brad Penny ran into trouble in the fifth, as the Bravos scored four runs in the fifth on six straight hits, which prompted Grady Little to remove him. Penny then blamed the water cooler for his pitching troubles and started beating it mercilessly. Ramon Martinez did the same to the baseball, as he drove in five runs, three on his first HR as a Dodger off Chad Paronto. Tomorrow's game will pit Aaron Sele against Jorge Sosa as the Dodger look to finish the roadtrip on a high note.

[DodgerBlue81]

Well great to see that the Dodgers turned it around since the last time I posted. The sweep of the Brewers, almost swept the Astros, 5 of 6 against the Rockies, and the amazing sweep of the Angels. Good win today after losing 2 of 3 to the horrendous Nationals. Furcal and Kent finally started to hit, and Martin is way better than Navarro. Ethier and Kemp have been a surprise. The starting pitching has been much better, mostly due to replacing Odalis Perez with Sele.

[DodgerBlue81]

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Penny after his tirade today when he screamed at Little because he was taken out in the 5th inning with a lead.

[Francoeurstein]

You all suck....

[Elvis]

You all suck....

:laugh Now now.

[DownUnderDodger]

Well great to see that the Dodgers turned it around since the last time I posted.
I echo those comments. Unfortunately I have not seen much baseball at all this year due to different work committments, but enjoy being kept up to date in this thread.
Only .5 out of the lead in a division which still has all teams above .500, so there is promise for the rest of the year. No more injuries though.....please!! :ughh

[mojorisin71]

You all suck....
Very eloquent statement. Care to elaborate?

[whatswailing]

Season has already had it's ups and downs so far. I'm hoping Tomko and Seo get back on track in their next starts and Penny's shoulder isn't hurt too bad or else the pitching doesn't look too strong. Sele could implode at any moment. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate what he's done so far but he's been known to collapse. I hope they can hold it together until Ned can pick up another starter because I really don't think Billingsley is ready to put an entire team on his back.

[DodgerBlue81]

You all suck....

Not too happy about us beating you 2 out of 3 in Atlanta? :D

[whatswailing]

Well, they split the road trip. Hopefully they'll have another good homestand. Time to beat the Phillies tomorrow.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Los Angeles 8, Atlanta 3 at Turner Field

W - Danys Baez (3-2)
L - Mike Remlinger (2-3)

LA 8 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
ATL 3 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (4), Adam LaRoche, ATL (9)

Dodgers' record - 30-22 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Aaron Sele and Jorge Sosa (the unluckiest pitcher in baseball today) were locked in a duel into the seventh inning, with each allowing only three runs in at least six innings (Sosa went seven). In the 8th, however, the Dodgers broke the game open with RBI singles by Andre Ethier and Ramon Martinez off Mike Remlinger and Tyler Yates, and the Dodgers added three more in the 9th on RBI doubles by Nomar and Willy Aybar. Danys Baez got the win, but he was saved in the seventh when Marcus Giles led off with a double and was sacrificed to third. Chipper Jones hit one to Martinez, who flipped the ball to Russ Martin, saving a run. The Dodgers won 18 games in a month for the first time since 1993, which is the year LA finished 81-81.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Atlanta 9, Los Angeles 3 at Turner Field

W - Tim Hudson (5-3)
L - Brett Tomko (5-3)

ATL 9 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (6), Andruw Jones, ATL (13), Chipper Jones, ATL (5)

Dodgers' record - 30-23 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: On April 30, 2006, before the Dodger collapse at PETCO, Vin Scully mentioned that the Dodgers hadn't swept the Padres in San Diego since 1987. And then the collapse happened. Yesterday in the pregame show, Charley Steiner mentioned that the Dodgers hadn't swept the Bravos in Atlanta since 1988. And then Brett Tomko collapsed. This time, he lasted only three innings, allowing 6 hits and 7 runs (5 earned) as the Braves batted around in the third, and the Dodgers fell into a 7-1 hole before the game was halfway over. Both Chipper and Andruw Jones homered, and catcher Todd Pratt drove in two runs without getting a hit, as the Braves assured the Dodgers that they wouldn't have a winning roadtrip. Odalis Perez pitched three innings against his former team, but like his last appearance, it was to mop up the damage caused by Tomko. With the 1/3 mark approaching us this season, the Dodgers are on pace to win 90 games. And still be in second place, as the DBacks also lost to the Mets in 13 innings, and LA is still half a game behind Arizona in the NL West.

SIDE NOTE: Eric Gagné was activated from the DL on Tuesday and promptly began serving his 2-game suspension from last year. Apparently, MLB wasn't convinced that he was healthy at the start of the year. In any case, he'll be available for this weekend's series against the Phillies.

[DodgerBlue81]

I didn't think we would sweep the Braves on the road. But Tomko was bad again.

[Jake83]

Tomko and Seo hopefully will not be in the rotation by July.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Philadelphia 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (4-3)
L - Gavin Floyd (4-3)

LA 7 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
PHI 2 runs, 8 hits, 1 error

HR - JD Drew, LA (9), Russ Martin, LA (2), Matt Kemp, LA (1)

Dodgers' record - 31-23 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Professor (those who have been around BBF for a while know what I mean) used to provide recaps and analyses after every Phillies/Dodgers game with scathing criticism of both teams. I'll do my best to fill in for him, but I realize I can't match his eloquence and wit. Derek Lowe celebrated his 33rd birthday with a 6-inning, 5-hit performance, and Jonathan Broxton, Joe Beimel, and Tim Hamulack shut the door on the mighty Phillies offense. Okay, not really, as Hamulack gave the Phillies a shot to get back in the game, allowing two runs in the ninth. Gavin Floyd repeated his performance against the Dodgers in Philadelphia, allowing seven runs in only four innings of work, and it would have been more if it hadn't been for that meddling Willy Aybar, who struck out with the bases loaded in the first. Matt Kemp, recently called up from Vegas, hit his first career HR off the LF foul pole and JD Drew, Philadelphia's favorite son, added a three-run jack in the fourth. And that was it for the Dodger offense, as Brian Sanches and Clay Condrey held the Dodgers to two hits over the last four innings. The Phillies, despite having a worse record than LA, have a better bullpen. Strange.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, June 2, 2006

Philadelphia 8, Los Angeles 6 at Dodger Stadium

W - Geoff Geary (2-0)
L - Danys Baez (3-3)
S - Tom Gordon (16)

PHI 8 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
LA 6 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

HR - Matt Kemp, LA (2), Ryan Howard, PHI (19), Chase Utley, PHI (10)

Dodgers' record - 31-24 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This thread (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=44541) sums up the general feeling all over the Southland after Friday night's game. Jae Seo wasn't exactly Koufaxian, but he did luck out when the Dodger offense bailed him out in the fifth. Trouble was, he had already left the game after only four innings of work. He looked nothing like the pitcher that threw a 2-hit shutout at Dodger Stadium last year, and if this keeps up, we may have to ask for Duaner Sanchez back (heck, we can do with Steve Schmoll as well). Matt Kemp hit his second HR in as many days, but it wasn't enough, as Danys Baez gave up five runs without getting an out, ballooning his ERA to 3.95. Odalis Perez gave up one hit in his only inning of work and lowered his ERA to 6.05. And yet Grady Little feels more comfortable with Perez pitching out of the pen. Every other Dodger pitcher did not give up any runs, including Eric Gagné, who wasn't exactly stellar, either. In the ninth, he walked David Bell and hit Aaron Rowand, but he got out of the inning, much to the delight of the sellout crowd at the Ravine. Except that Rowand did his damage in the seventh with a go-ahead two-run double.

SIDE NOTE: Olmedo Saenz and Sandy Alomar ended the Phillies pen's scoreless streak at 20 2/3 innings. We'd like to trade Baez, Perez, and Hamulack for a bag of beachballs, a used bat, and Rheal Cormier.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, June 3, 2006

Los Angeles 8, Philadephia 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (6-1)
L - Eude Brito (0-1)

LA 8 runs, 14 hits, 1 error
PHI 2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors

HR - Matt Kemp, LA (3)

Dodgers' record - 32-24 (2nd in NL West)

Brad Penny really needs to take out his anger on water coolers more often. He allowed one hit over six innings yesterday and would have lasted longer had the temperature not hit triple digits at Dodger Stadium. Friday night was Ron Cey bobblehead night at the Ravine, but they can't help you keep cool like the Dodgers.com shirt we all got yesterday. And from what I noticed the last three games, Dodger fans really hate Bobby Abreu. It's not because he hit a game-winning HR off Tim Hamulack in Philly in April. It's because the guys in the RF Pavilion are in solidarity with all the Abreu haters in Philly. He didn't back up Chase Utley when he dropped a Joel Guzman pop up. He didn't run over to left field to make a superhuman leap to rob Matt Kemp of his third HR in as many days. And he certainly didn't react like Reggie Smith 25 years ago when he jumped into the stands to take on the guys heckling him. Nomar went 3-for-4 and the Dodgers hammered Eude Brito (who can challenge Don Aase for most vowels in a name) for six runs in four innings and they also pounded Clay Condrey as well, as LA doubled his ERA to 2.25. And true to the East Coast criticisms, a lot of people left during the seventh inning stretch. Which is why it only took me 15 minutes to get onto the 5 instead of the usual 30.

[DodgerBlue81]

Tomko is stinking again, and we can't do anything against this Soler. I wanted more than 2 against the Phillies but can't complain too much.

[Jake83]

Tonight's game was ************* disgustuing

[lostzuli]

Clutch Nomar struck out, Kirk Gibson is spinning in his lay-z-boy.

(Matt Kemp IS the second coming of Alfonso Soriano)

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, June 4, 2006

Philadelphia 6, Los Angeles 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Geoff Geary (3-0)
L - Joe Beimel (2-1)
S - Tom Gordon (17)

PHI 6 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors
LA 4 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

HR - Russell Martin, LA (3), Chase Utley, PHI (11)

Dodgers' record - 32-25 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers missed a chance to make up ground on the DBacks by having the bullpen blow another game. With the score tied 3-3 in the 8th, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley hit back-to-back doubles, and then Ryan Howard hit a slow roller towards first, which Olmedo Saenz threw home and Utley then crashed into Russ Martin to seal the deal. Recently recalled Hong-Chih Kuo then plunked Shane Victorino with his first pitch in the majors in a month (he swears it wasn't intentional, just like the Hamulack beaning of Bonds) and the game was pretty much over, as the mighty Phillies bullpen closed the door on the Dodger offense, save for a Martin home run off closer Tom Gordon. The Dodgers should have won 3 of four, but with Brett Tomko pitching every five days and Odalis Perez being a starter again, compiling a winning streak is going to be difficult.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, June 5, 2006

New York 4, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Alay Soler (1-1)
L - Brett Tomko (5-4)
S - Chad Bradford (1)

NY 4 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - Willy Aybar, LA (2), Carlos Delgado, NY (16), Jose Reyes, NY (6)

Dodgers' record - 32-26 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Before the parking lot was full at Dodger Stadium, Jose Reyes led off the game with a HR. And before people got to their seats, Carlos Delgado hit a 2-run shot that pretty much finished the scoring for the Mets. Brett Tomko didn't crash and burn this time, as he did go over 5 innings (5 1/3 to be exact), but he also allowed all four Mets runs and was unfortunate enough to have been matched up against Alay Soler, who pitched seven innings and allowed only Willy Aybar's solo shot. Then again, given the Dodgers' luck, Soler was due for his first major league win in or against LA. The outspoken Billy Wagner wasn't too pleased that he didn't warm up in the 9th, but it didn't matter, as Chad Bradford got his first NL save as he took advantage of a Dodger off-day.

SIDE NOTE: This was the first losing streak since that 5-gamer at the beginning of May.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Los Angeles 8, New York 5 at Dodger Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (5-3)
L - Pedro Martinez (5-2)
S - Eric Gagné (1)

LA 8 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
NY 5 run, 8 hits, 2 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (7), Matt Kemp, LA (4)

Dodgers' record - 33-26 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The last time Pedro Martinez pitched at Dodger Stadium, he had a no-hitter through 7 1/3 innings before Antonio Perez tripled to break it up and Jayson Werth added the coup de grâce with a 2-run shot to finish Pedro off. But that was last year, and this year the Dodgers reloaded and in the end, the result was the same; another Dodger win against a guy they deemed too small 13 years ago. Nomar hit a 2-run shot to open the scoring, but former Dodger Jose Valentin (the 2005 version of Daryle Ward) tied it with an RBI double in the second. Cliff Floyd busted his ankle rounding third and was taken out of the game for precaution. In the 6th, however, things fell apart, as Valentin reminded us why we let him go; he committed two errors that led to four runs after Matt Kemp hit his 4th HR in 6 games. Jonathan Broxton had an unusually poor outing, giving up three runs without getting an out (almost tripling his ERA), but the story of the night was Eric Gagné's first save in 359 days, despite feeling some pain in his arm. Given that this is his contract year, we might not see him pitch in LA next year. Good luck signing an injury-prone closer.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

New York 9, Los Angeles 7 at Dodger Stadium

W - Tom Glavine (9-2)
L - Odalis Perez (4-2)
S - Billy Wagner (12)

NY 9 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
LA 7 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - Jose Cruz, Jr., LA (4), Rafael Furcal, LA (3,4), Lastings Milledge, NY (2)

Dodgers' record - 33-27 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Odalis Perez is notorious for complaining about everything about the Dodger team, particularly run support. On Wednesday, the Dodgers gave him plenty of run support, but it certainly didn't give him the green light to throw batting practice. Making his first start in over a month, Perez failed to take advantage of an off-night by Tom Glavine (who gave up 7 hits and 6 runs in 5 1/3 innings), giving up 11 hits and 7 runs in 3 2/3 innings. Rafael Furcal hit two HRs in the first two innings, but each time, the Mets' offense added to their lead. Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Lastings Milledge hit a 2-run shot to pad New York's lead, but in the 8th, LA had a chance off former Dodger Duaner Sanchez and failed to take advantage. Nomar led off the inning with a line drive to left, but was thrown out by Milledge trying to stretch it into a double. LA scored one run in the frame, but it could have been more, and who knows, LA could have won. But in the end, it didn't matter, as Billy Wagner shut the door on the Dodger offense. LA finished the homestand 3-4 heading into their trip to Coors Field, where no pitcher wants to throw.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, June 9, 2006

Los Angeles 3, Colorado 0 at Coors Field

W - Brad Penny (7-1)
L - Byung-Hyun Kim (3-4)
S - Takashi Saito (3)

LA 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
COL 0 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 34-27 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: It took until the 61st game of the season, but then again, it also took a collapse by the DBacks (partially fueled by the Jason Grimsley saga) for the Dodgers to get back to first place. Brad Penny pitched the longest outing by any Dodger starter, going 8 1/3 innings and allowing only five hits, and he also helped his own cause with an RBI single as the Dodgers beat the Rockies for the sixth time in seven meetings this season. Byung-Hyun Kim was the tough-luck loser, allowing three runs in 6 2/3 innings (it was still called a "quality start.") Penny would have finished the game, but he left with a runner on first and Takashi Saito came in to finish the game, but not before allowing a massive shot by Todd Helton which JD Drew caught all the way to the wall. And Penny didn't mind being pulled two outs from a complete game shutout at Coors Field. Strange.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Colorado 12, Los Angeles 9 at Coors Field

W - Jason Jennings (4-6)
L - Brett Tomko (5-5)
S - Brian Fuentes (13)

COL 12 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
LA 9 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors

HR - Russell Martin, LA (4), Garrett Atkins, COL (8), Jorge Piedra, COL (1)

Dodgers' record - 34-28 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: One day after Brad Penny and Takashi Saito combined for a five-hit shutout, Coors Field looked like the Coors Field of old, as both teams battled it out in a classic Colorado slugfest. Brett Tomko continued his slide, losing his fourth consecutive decision, allowing 6 hits and 7 runs in only 3 2/3 innings. But unlike Odalis Perez, he's not complaining about run support. Jason Jennings finally won his first game against the Dodgers, but like the Brazilian win over Croatia today, it wasn't easy, as he gave up three first-inning runs and two more in the third. Recently-recalled Omar Quintanilla hit a two-run triple in the fourth, giving the Rockies the lead. Colorado added four more runs in the sixth off the suddenly ineffective Joe Beimel, but the Dodger offense came back in the seventh, scoring four of their own. The only bright spots in the game were JD Drew (career .377 hitter at Coors), who went 3-for-3 and Russ Martin, who went 3-for-5 and drove in a career-high four runs. Other than that, this game looked eerily similar to the final Mets/Dodgers game in LA last week. Minus the complaining.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, June 10, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Colorado 5 at Coors Field

W - Danys Baez (4-3)
L - Brian Fuentes (1-1)
S - Takashi Saito (4)

LA 6 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
COL 5 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors

HR - Matt Kemp, LA (5,6), Todd Helton, COL (5)

Dodgers' record - 35-28 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers finally got over the hump, breaking a tie with the DBacks atop baseball's worst division in 2005, but it took a ninth-inning comeback off an All-Star closer to seal the deal. Derek Lowe didn't have a great outing (8 hits and 3 runs in 5 2/3 innings), but he did leave the game with a 4-3 lead. Enter Jonathan Broxton, who at this time last week had a sub-1.00 ERA, but on Sunday, he gave up a 2-run HR to Todd Helton in the 8th inning to give the Rockies the lead, but Brian Fuentes couldn't close the game. Olmedo Saenz and Russ Martin hit consecutive doubles to tie the game, and Russ Martin followed with a game-winning RBI single to give the Dodgers sole possession of first place. Lost in the comeback was Matt Kemp's first two-home run game of his young career, and they both came off Dodger killer Aaron Cook. Last year, LA was in first place for a significant portion of the season, and around this time (I think the Dodgers were 33-29), they started their four-month slump en route to a 71-91 finish. However, this team is miles above last year's Los Angeles 51's.

SIDE NOTE: The LA Times is reporting that Chad Billingsley might be called up to pitch either as soon as the Padres series or this weekend's A's series.

[UnderPressure]

Billingsley's debut today against the Padres (no decision):

5.1 IP
6 H
2 R
2 ER
2 BB
3 K

Plus, 1 for 1 at the plate with 2 RBI's.

[DodgerBlue81]

after losing 2 to the Mets and Padres, we better not lose this series against Oakland. But Tomko is sucking again. :mad:

[DodgerBlue81]

Swept by Oakland. The Dodgers are bad baseball team right now. The starting pitching is horrible. Luckily the rest of the division isn't playing very well right now.

[mojorisin71]

After the 17-inning marathon, I didn't expect the Dodgers to win this one.

[mojorisin71]

It's World Cup time, which explains why I'm a week behind in doing these updates. I'll get to as many of the games as possible for the sake of this thread.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

San Diego 9, Los Angeles 1 at PETCO Park

W - Chan Ho Park (4-3)
L - Aaron Sele (3-1)

SD 9 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 8 hits, 2 errors

HR - Mike Cameron, SD (3), Eric Young, SD (1)

Dodgers' record - 35-29 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Forget the Curse of the Bambino. The Curse of the Billy Goat? Weak. The Curse of Billy Penn? Child's play. The Curse from Brooklyn? Didn't work. There is a new curse running amok in baseball, and it's the Curse of the Former Dodger. This curse affects the Dodgers in each and every meaningful game they play in. This time around it was Chan Ho Park who shut down the Dodgers, allowing only three hits and one run in six innings. Former Dodger Eric Young homered in the seventh off a guy we all wish were a former Dodger, Odalis Perez, and Mike Cameron (almost a Dodger) fell a single short of the cycle as the Padres handed Aaron Sele his first loss in the National League, 9-1. Jae Seo didn't help the cause, either, as he allowed Cameron's HR on a 3-0 pitch, and with both Seo and Perez in the bullpen, this looked like a game Grady Little wanted to throw away. After that 5-0 debacle in April, the Padres are unbeaten against the Dodgers. Thanks, Lance Carter (another former Dodger).

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

San Diego 5, Los Angeles 3 at PETCO Park

W - Scott Linebrink (3-2)
L - Hong-Chih Kuo (0-4)
S - Trevor Hoffman (15)

SD 5 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
LA 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Matt Kemp, LA (7), Willy Aybar, LA (3), Mark Bellhorn, SD (5)

Dodgers' record - 35-30 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: For some reason, the Dodgers find it hard to beat rookie pitchers (unless your name is Dontrelle Willis). John Koronka, Sean Marshall, Fernando Nieve, and now Mike Thompson has been added to the list of inexperienced guys who throw well against the Dodgers. Thompson allowed only three hits in seven innings, and left the game with a 3-2 lead that stood since the second inning. Brad Penny looked to lose only his second game of the season, but he was bailed out by Matt Kemp, who hit his seventh HR in 45 ABs off Scott Linebrink. But in true Dodger fashion, the Dodger bullpen suddenly felt the need to throw fat pitches down the middle, as Adrian Gonzalez hit a tiebreaking double off Hong-Chih Kuo (why does Little put him in tie games?) to send the Padres to their sixth straight win over the Dodgers. Fortunately for Los Angeles, the Padres are still behind them. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, they still have one more game with San Diego.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Los Angeles 7, San Diego 3 at PETCO Park

W - Jonathan Broxton (1-0)
L - Brian Sikorski (0-1)

LA 7 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
SD 3 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - Vinny Castilla, SD (3)

Dodgers' record - 36-30 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This was the moment we'd all been waiting for. Chad Billingsley finally got called up from AAA Las Vegas and what a start it was, as he went 5 1/3 innings and only allowed 2 runs on 6 hits. Unfortunately, the rest of the team couldn't do anything, and the 2 runs on the board when he left were as a result of his 2-run single in the 4th. It wasn't until the seventh that the Dodger offense finally awoke when Rafael Furcal hit a go-ahead single and Jeff Kent had a two-run double. Jonathan Broxton notched his second major-league win (his first came in the Dodgers' 71st win last October), despite allowing a solo shot to Dodger killer Vinny Castilla, as the Dodgers snapped their five-game losing streak to San Diego. Yet despite all the close calls and misfortunes, LA is all alone in first place. And that will all end soon.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, June 16, 2006

Oakland 7, Los Angeles 3 at McAfee Coliseum

W - Barry Zito (8-3)
L - Brett Tomko (5-6)

OAK 7 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - Eric Chavez, OAK (14)

Dodgers' record - 36-31 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Last offseason, the Dodgers were pursuing Barry Zito despite his declining strikeout numbers and his declining record. Friday night boosted his stock a lot, as he threw 8 innings and allowed all three Dodger runs as the red-hot A's took Game 1 of the 1988 and 1974 World Series rematch. Local hero Eric Chavez (note: it's NOT pronounced "shuh-VEZ") hit a HR off Brett Tomko, who finally dropped below .500 this season. The story of the day was Milton Bradley missing a chance to further the Curse of the Former Dodger, as he has a bum shoulder and didn't start on Friday. But Adam Melhuse (a strikeout in his only at-bat as a Dodger) went 3-for-5 as the DH, so the curse didn't really go away. Jae Seo, who pitched like Zito against the Dodgers, threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings, but they came 6 2/3 innings too late. And yet the Dodgers are still in first.

[DodgerBlue81]

we better come back and win this game, can't lose a series at home to the Mariners

[Seattle1]

we better come back and win this game, can't lose a series at home to the Mariners

Beltre looks pretty comfortable in his old home digs. Might be just what the doctor ordered for him, he started out pretty slow this season, though his recent move to #2 in the batting lineup seems to have helped too.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Oakland 5, Los Angeles 4 in 17 innings at McAfee Coliseum

W - Steve Karsay (1-0)
L - Jae Seo (2-4)

OAK 5 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 4 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 36-32 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP (if it's possible to do so in a 17-inning game): This game should have been over before the 9th. Derek Lowe was on cruise control for 7 innings and then the inevitable Grady Little flashback happened (thanks for the reference, Annie). With the score 3-1 in the 8th, Bobby Kielty walked on four pitches and on the next pitch, Marco Scutaro doubled him home. The wheels fell apart there, as Jason Kendall singled Scutaro to third. Two outs later and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Eric Chavez was intentionally walked and in true Dodger fashion, the next batter, Bobby Crosby, doubled home two runs to make the score 4-3. Danys Baez of all people struck out Jay Payton on three pitches to end the inning. Then it was Huston Street's turn to blow the game, as he allowed a two-out walk and a stolen base to Rafael Furcal, and Kenny Lofton tripled him home to send it to extra innings. A lot of them. And the Dodgers had plenty of chances to end it before the 17th. In the 11th, LA had a runner on 3rd with one out and Brad Halsey induced two popouts to the infield. In the 14th, Olmedo Saenz came on with runners on 2nd and 3rd (people in Oakland still miss those days) and popped out to second. In the 16th, Saenz came on again with runners on 1st and 2nd and grounded into an inning-ending double play. Then Jae Seo came to pitch the 17th and allowed a leadoff hit to Scutaro, a one-out walk to Nick Swisher, and eight consecutive balls to Chavez and Crosby to force in the winning run. Yeah, we can blame the umps for wanting to go home early (the area around the Coliseum is not the kind of place I'd like to be in), but it's easier to blame Seo and his 5.61 ERA.

SIDE NOTE: At least Little did the right thing in pulling JD Drew when Halsey pitched the 12th. We all saw what happened last July in that DBacks game...

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Oakland 5, Los Angeles 2 at McAfee Coliseum

W - Joe Blanton (7-6)
L - Aaron Sele (3-2)
S - Huston Street (17)

OAK 5 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
LA 2 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (8)

Dodgers' record - 36-33 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: As previously stated here, after the 17-inning marathon, it was unlikely that the Dodgers' bats would awaken. And they didn't. Joe Blanton, who somehow didn't fall asleep during the 17-inning game, pitched 8+ innings and Huston Street didn't blow the save this time around as the A's continued their mastery of the post-Lasorda Dodgers with their 4th straight series win over Los Angeles (although 1974 and 1988 are the only series we should care about). Jay Payton and Marco Scutaro each had three hits as Oakland chased former nemesis Aaron Sele after only four innings. Odalis Perez pitched four scoreless innings (yes, you read correctly), lowering his ERA to a hefty 6.33. Which is what his net worth should be after shutting down his O's 45's charity because the Dodgers weren't recognizing him? Maybe the Dodgers should follow the DBacks' example and designate him for assignment. Then we'll see if anyone else is willing to take on his fat contract.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Seattle 9, Los Angeles 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Joel Piñeiro (6-7)
L - Brad Penny (7-2)
S - Rafael Soriano (2)

SEA 9 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
LA 4 runs, 11 hits, 1 error

HR - Richie Sexson, SEA (12), Adrian Beltre, SEA (7)

Dodgers' record - 36-34 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: .334/.388/.629 (48/121) vs .255/.303/.413 (19/87). This year doesn't look much better. And yet Adrian Beltre found a way to stick it to the team that developed him as a player. Eighteen months after taking the money and running to the other end of Interstate 5, Beltre made his less-than-triumphant return to the Ravine and immediately showed Dodger management why it was a mistake to let him go, hitting a 2-run HR before Dodger fans had even entered their seats. He finished 3-for-3 with 4 runs scored, and his name added to the long list of players Dodger fans have contempt for. Every Seattle starter (except for pitcher Joel Piñeiro) had at least one hit, as the M's handed Brad Penny his second loss of the season. The loss, combined with a Padres win, dropped the Dodgers to second place.

SIDE NOTE: Cesar Izturis was activated from the DL and will play third base from now on. I still say he'll be traded by July 31.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Seattle 8, Los Angeles 5 at Dodger Stadium

W - Julio Mateo (4-0)
L - Danys Baez (4-4)
S - J.J. Putz (12)

SEA 8 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
LA 5 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (6), Carl Everett, SEA (9), Kenji Johjima, SEA (6), Jeremy Reed, SEA (5)

Dodgers' record - 36-35 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This looks like 2005 all over again, when the Dodgers were 33-29 and coming off series wins against the Tigers and Twins. Then they hit the road in Kansas City and Chicago and lost all six games of the road trip, which started the collapse and the 91-loss season. This year, the Dodgers were 36-30 and then they traveled to PETCO and the Coliseum and lost 5 out of 6. Then the Mariners came to town and assured themselves of a series win. The Dodgers scored four runs in the 6th, but Seattle got two of them all back in the 7th off Jonathan Broxton (highlighted by Carl Everett's 200th career HR) and four in the 8th off Danys Baez, capped by Adrian Beltre's 2-run double. Chad Billingsley's second start was wasted by the bullpen, and the Dodgers look to fall off the edge and sink to the bottom of the NL West. Trouble is, they can't even seem to do that right, as Arizona is having a collapse of their own.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Los Angeles 4, Seattle 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (6-3)
L - Felix Hernandez (7-7)

LA 4 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
SEA 2 runs, 7 hits, 1 error

HR - Raul Ibañez, SEA (14), Yuniesky Betancourt, SEA (4)

Dodgers' record - 37-35 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This game looked very similar to the other two games in the series. Before a lot of people had even taken their seats, Yuniesky (what a name) Betancourt hit a solo shot to left of Derek Lowe and in the following inning, Raul Ibañez hit a shot to right field, and the Dodgers found themselves in an unenviable position: face off against the 20-year-old phenom, "King" Felix Hernandez. And except for the 5th and 6th innings, he gave up a lot of singles (the Dodgers didn't have any extra-base hits), but no runs. In the 6th, however, he gave up singles to JD Drew, Jeff Kent, Cesar Izturis, a 2-run base hit to Russ Martin, and an RBI single to Rafael Furcal, ending his outing. Nomar struck out with the bases loaded to end the threat, and that was all Lowe would need, as he went the distance (we actually booed Little when he came out of the dugout to talk to him in the 9th), becoming the first Dodger to do so this year. Izturis made his first major league start at 3rd, and he didn't do too bad with the glove and with the bat, going 3-for-4. Seattle's 8-game interleague win streak was snapped, but we weren't too sad about it (they were all against NL West teams).

[mojorisin71]

Friday, June 23, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Pittsburgh 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brett Tomko (6-6)
L - Oliver Perez (2-10)
S - Jae Seo (1)

LA 10 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
PIT 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (7), Craig Wilson, PIT (11)

Dodgers' record - 38-35 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers and Pirates will play each other 10 times this year, and already Los Angeles is wishing they'd play each other more often (except for that 4-game split at PNC in April). And the Dodgers wished Brett Tomko had more outings like this one. He was working on a 2-hit shutout before a strained left oblique muscle forced him to leave after only five innings of work and a 7-0 lead. Jae Seo came in and got 12 outs for the rare and cheap 4-inning save, but in between he allowed 4 runs, two on Craig Wilson's 11th HR this year and 4th against the Dodgers. Jeff Kent led the charge with a 3-run HR and Jose Cruz, in a rare start, hit a 2-run double, as every Dodger starter had at least one hit. Oliver Perez was very wild, walking the bases loaded (Vin Scully couldn't stop bringing up the 17-inning marathon in Oakland the week before) in the 4th as the Dodgers gave him his league-leading 10th loss. Still want Jim Tracy back at the helm?

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Pittsburgh 0 at Dodger Stadium

W - Aaron Sele (4-2)
L - Zach Duke (5-7)

LA 7 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
PIT 0 runs, 7 hits, 1 error

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (8)

Dodgers' record - 39-35 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers finally won a game on my birthday, snapping a nine-year losing streak. Aaron Sele won for the first time in exactly a month and Andre Ethier drove in 4 runs as the Dodgers continued their mastery of the Pirates, who are in their longest losing streak in 38 years. Sele combined with Jonathan Broxton, Takashi Saito, and former Pirate reliever Joe Beimel combined to allow 7 hits in the shutout win. Jeff Kent homered for the second straight game, and ever Dodger starter except for Jose Cruz had one hit, and Cesar Izturis went 1-for-5 to lower his batting average to .538 (that's not a typo). Olmedo Saenz continued his single-handed demolition of Pirate pitching, going 2-for-3 and is now batting .875 against Zach Duke. Meanwhile, Tracy has lost 50 games already and is en route to a 100-loss season, something he thankfully never got to in LA. Still want him back?

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Pittsburgh 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (8-2)
L - Kip Wells (0-2)
S - Takashi Saito (5)

LA 7 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
PIT 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (9), Joe Randa, PIT (2)

Dodgers' record - 40-35 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: You gotta feel for the Pirates. They have an amazing young core of talent (Jason Bay, Jose Castillo, Freddy Sanchez, Ian Snell, Oliver Perez, Mike Gonzalez, etc), and they hired a guy who until last year never had a losing season in his MLB managerial career (done mostly with smoke and mirrors), and now they are stuck at the bottom of the National League, and if the Royals maintain their power surge, they could very well be at the MLB cellar. The Bucs took an early 1-0 lead on a Bay RBI double, but the Dodger offense exploded for four runs in the fourth off Kip Wells, who lost 18 games last year and missed 71 games this year because of a blocked artery in his right arm. Rafael Furcal had a 2-run single and the Dodgers never looked back. Pittsburgh scored two runs in the 5th to bring them within one run, but Ramon Martinez had an RBI groundout and in the 7th, Nomar hit his 200th career HR off Dámaso Marte to finish the Bucs off. Takashi Saito earned his 5th and cheapest save (I don't like the idea of a three-run-lead save, unless the pitcher leaves the bases loaded). LA reached 40 wins almost a month quicker than last season, but it's not the halfway mark and they seem perfect for another collapse given the reliability of our bullpen.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, June 26, 2006

Minnesota 8, Los Angeles 2 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

W - Carlos Silva (4-8)
L - Chad Billingsley (0-1)

MIN 8 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
LA 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 40-36 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The last time the Dodgers visited Minnesota, baseball only had one division, the Expos/Nationals, Padres, Royals, Pilots/Brewers, Blue Jays, Mariners, Marlins, Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Devil Rays weren't even considered by MLB, Bowie Kuhn was commissioner, the Beatles still did concerts, and Bob Dylan had recently hit it big with "Blonde on Blonde." It was the 1965 World Series, most remembered for Sandy Koufax pitching Game 7 on two days' rest. Sweet Lou Johnson and Willie Davis threw out the first pitch, and Tony Oliva and HOFer Harmon Killebrew were also there to commemorate said Series, which was the first in Twins history. Koufax could have done a better job than rookie Chad Billingsley, who aside from his first game against the Padres, is starting to show that he isn't quite ready for the bigs. He walked 7 in 5 2/3 innings and allowed six runs, but the big story was local hero Joe Mauer, who went 4-for-5 and drove in five runs. Hong-Chih Kuo allowed both runners he inherited to score, but what was really frustrating was the Dodgers not being able to score on Carlos Silva, who entered the game 3-8 with an ERA over 6.50. And things don't look better when you have to fave Francisco Liriano and Johan Santana on back-to-back days.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Minnesota 9, Los Angeles 2 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

W - Francisco Liriano (8-1)
L - Derek Lowe (6-4)

MIN 9 runs, 15 hits, 2 errors
LA 2 runs, 6 hits, 2 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (10), Jeff Kent, LA (9)

Dodgers' record - 40-37 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: In 1965, the Dodgers edged the Twins in the World Series. In 1966, with arguably a better team than the year before, the Dodgers get swept by the Orioles in a series that was best described by an old high-school teacher I had: pure domination. The 2006 Twins seemed to take a page out the Orioles' book and shut down the Dodger offense, with a huge boost from AL Rookie of the Year candidate Francisco Liriano, who went 7 innings and only allowed HRs to both Nomar and Jeff Kent. The Twins have allowed four runs or less to the opposition in each of their last nine wins at the Metrodome, as their pitching has a 1.39 ERA over that span. Derek Lowe got hammered for 9 runs and 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings, and as he put it, it was one of the worst starts of his career. Joe Mauer went 5-for-5 to raise his average to .389, tops in the majors. He now has almost as many hits in two games (9) as the entire Dodger team combined in that same span. Bring on Johan Santana.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Minnesota 6, Los Angeles 3 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

W - Johan Santana (9-4)
L - Odalis Perez (4-3)
S - Joe Nathan (13)

MIN 6 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 5 hits, 1 error

HR - Torii Hunter, MIN (12)

Dodgers' record - 40-38 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers had no chance in this series. Especially with the Twins' aces on the mound on consecutive days. Last year, the Dodgers lucked out in not facing Johan Santana at Dodger Stadium (though they did lose to Carlos Silva). This year, they had no such luck. Santana threw seven shutout innings and Torii Hunter hit a grand slam in the first to seal the deal. Odalis Perez started instead of the injured Brett Tomko, and he was true to form, giving up 11 hits and all six runs in 4 1/3 innings. How good is the Twins' staff? Juan Rincon allowed a bases-clearing double to Olmedo Saenz and his ERA is barely at 2.04. Joe Mauer went 2-for-3 as the DH to go 9-for-13 (.692) in the series. Jonathan Broxton, Danys Baez, and Takashi Saito shut the door on the Twins offense, but that was tantamount to locking the barn door after the horses have gone. On to the Freeway Series in LA of Anaheim.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, June 30, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Los Angeles of Anaheim 1 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim

W - Brad Penny (9-2)
L - Bartolo Colon (0-4)

LA 6 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
LA of ANA 1 run, 8 hits, 1 error

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (5)

Dodgers' record - 41-38 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers took the 2006 Freeway Series backed by Brad Penny's 7-inning, 1-run performance and Andre Ethier's domination of Angel pitching (he had a 5-hit game in LA back in May). Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon remains winless in 2006 despite going 7 2/3 innings (okay, he did allow 12 hits and all six runs in that span), and the Angels committed their 30th error in June, as the Halos dropped their fourth straight game to the Dodgers after going 5-1 against them in 2005. Nomar, Matt Kemp, and Kenny Lofton each had two hits, and Danys Baez and Jonathan Broxton held the Halos to one hit over the final two innings. The crowd was about 60-40 red, and there were cheers on both sides during the game. And the Angels continued their quest to drag LA down to Orange County; former Laker great and actor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar threw out the first pitch to Adam Kennedy. Give it up, will you Arte?

[Elvis]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Hollywood Stars Game added to the Angel propo lineup. :crazy

[DodgerBlue81]

We better do well against Arizona in this series.

[mojorisin71]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Hollywood Stars Game added to the Angel propo lineup. :crazy
Maybe they'll only incorporate the cast members from "the OC"

[Elvis]

Maybe they'll only incorporate the cast members from "the OC"

No, but I'll bet Randy Newman is invited to sing a live version of I LOVE LA. :laugh

[DodgerBlue81]

Big win against the Giants today. We're 2 games behind the Fathers at the break, and we're leading the Wild Card.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, July 1, 2006

Los Angeles of Anaheim 9, Los Angeles 2 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim

W - Kelvim Escobar (6-9)
L - Mark Hendrickson (0-1)

LA of ANA 9 runs, 13 hits, 1 error
LA 2 runs, 10 hits, 3 errors

HR - Mike Napoli, LA of ANA (9,10)

Dodgers' record - 41-39 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers finally lost a game to the Angels this year after going 1-5 against them last year, including a 3-game sweep in Orange County. But during the Twins series, the Dodgers traded away Jae Seo and Dioner Navarro (who all of a sudden isn't worth anything anymore) for Toby Hall and Mark Hendrickson. And Hendrickson was thrown into the fire, starting his first game as a Dodger against an Angel team that was starving for runs or any offense, for that matter. It was a debut he'd rather forget, as he gave up 5 runs (only one was earned) after only three innings, and he struggled to get outs in the 5 innings of work he had. Garret Anderson had another milestone against the Dodgers this year (in 2005, he had his 1000th career RBI), getting his 2000th career hit, a single in the sixth inning, as the Angels pounded the Dodgers for 13 hits, and the 3 errors they committed gave us a glimpse of last year. Mike Napoli homered twice and Kelvim Escobar snapped a seven-game losing streak. The only good thing was that Friday night's win clinched the Freeway Series for the Dodgers.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, July 2, 2006

Los Angeles of Anaheim 4, Los Angeles 0 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim

W - John Lackey (6-5)
L - Chad Billingsley (0-2)

LA of ANA 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
LA 0 runs, 5 hits, 2 errors

HR - Vladimir Guerrero, LA of ANA (17)

Dodgers' record - 41-40 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The last two games of the 2006 Freeway Series looked a lot like all six games of the 2005 Freeway Series; bad offense, horrible pitching, and rookie mistakes. When Odalis Perez and Jae Seo (who is no longer a Dodger) started throwing batting practice during actual games, Dodger fans left and right were calling for Billingsley to be brought up. Rookie pitchers seldom save rotations, unless you're Francisco Liriano. After a great performance against the Padres, Billingsley fell back to earth. Orlando Cabrera (another example of the Wrong Brother Syndrome) hit a double in the third, and one out later, he advanced to third. Then he made a mad dash home and scored easily without a throw. It was the Angels' first straight steal of home in nine years (Tony Phillips, anyone?) and even more importantly, it exposed a flaw in the Dodger rotation. John Lackey continued his mastery of the Dodgers, going 6 2/3 innings and allowing only 4 hits, but the scariest moment of the game came when plate umpire Derryl Cousins was hit in the elbow by a Scot Shields pitch and had to be taken off the field. Sure, the Dodgers won the Freeway Series for the first time in six years. But if things go like this in the second half of the season, can we expect another meltdown like last year?

[mojorisin71]

Monday, July 3, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Arizona 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (7-4)
L - Juan Cruz (3-4)

LA 10 runs, 15 hits, 1 error
ARI 4 runs, 11 hits, 3 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 42-40 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers ended a 1-5 roadtrip and went back up the 5 to Dodger Stadium to face an old foe, the Diamondbacks. I guess the Dodgers should be glad that Arizona traded away Brad Halsey for Juan Cruz (as you all know, Halsey broke JD Drew's wrist at last year's pre-All Star DBacks/Dodgers series). Cruz lasted only three innings, as he got tagged for seven hits and four runs, but as Vin Scully said, it was a precautionary matter, as he had been activated off the DL only hours before the game. Andre Ethier went 4-for-5 against his hometown team, and every Dodger starter minus Derek Lowe had at least a hit, but the real story of the night was Nomar getting beaned three times. I don't know what kind of history Nomar has against Arizona (maybe it was that three-game sweep in 2002), but Arizona really wanted Nomar out of the game. My sister noted that Randy Choate was a former Yankee and he might have wanted to bring the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry to the West. In any case, Rafael Furcal batted seventh against a team that has struggled mightily in pitching. I guess this is what the doctor ordered; a division rival to erase a losing streak.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Los Angeles 11, Arizona 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Aaron Sele (5-2)
L - Enrique Gonzalez (2-2)

LA 11 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
ARI 3 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

HR - Orlando Hudson, ARI (6)

Dodgers' record - 43-40 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: As fellow forumer GiantsAllTheWay16 put it, last year's division race was to see who was the best of the worst. This year is very different, as the Dodgers took advantage of a Padres loss to the Phillies and the Rockies beat the Giants and at the end of the Fourth of July, Los Angeles, Colorado, and San Diego were all at the top of the division. The DBacks did everything they could to prevent that from happening, as Orlando Hudson showed off his bat, hitting a HR to the RF Pavilion before the fans had even sat down. Rookie Enrique Gonzalez helped his own cause in the second, lining an RBI single down the middle, but in the third inning, the Dodgers batted around, capped by Kenny Lofton and Cesar Izturis' 2-run singles. Andre Ethier went 1-for-3 with 4 RBIs, but the story of the night was the HBPs in the box score. JD Drew was hit below the knee against Brandon Medders, and in the ninth, Danys Baez silenced his critics (at least for that game only) by beaning Shawn Green in the hip in the 9th. Luis Gonzalez reacted angrily in an expletive-filled tirade, but as the guys from Dodger Blues eloquently put it, maybe he should have focused all that anger in his bat.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, July 5, 2006

Los Angeles 5, Arizona 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (10-2)
L - Claudio Vargas (7-5)
S - Takashi Saito (6)

LA 5 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
ARI 4 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (6), Orlando Hudson, ARI (7)

Dodgers' record - 44-40 (T-1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Another day, another logjam in the West. The Dodgers, behind Brad Penny's arm, proceeded to sweep the DBacks at Dodger Stadium, something that they haven't done since 2004, and the win was more remarkable, given that Arizona went 8-1 in Los Angeles last year. Penny went 7 innings and gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, and Takashi Saito almost had a meltdown in the 9th, as he loaded the bases and Dodger killer Chad Tracy almost unloaded them, but Saito struck out Conor Jackson to end the game. Penny found out before the game that he would be an All-Star, so naturally we expected him to either not play at all or embarrass himself. (Thankfully, we were proved wrong)

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, July 6, 2006

San Francisco 5, Los Angeles 4 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Hennessey (4-1)
L - Mark Hendrickson (0-2)
S - Armando Benitez (9)

SF 5 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 4 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 44-41 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: What is it with Colletti and the Devil Rays? First it was the Jackson/Tiffany-for-Baez/Carter deal (you be the judge on Baez; my opinion is somewhere in this thread). Then it's the Seo/Navarro-for-Hendrickson/Hall deal (Colletti must loves things coming in twos). Hall was a light-hitting backup catcher in Tampa, and Hendrickson probably had a better future in the NBA. For the second straight start, he gave up 5 early runs, and although the Dodgers did their "best" to catch up, they couldn't quite figure out Brad Hennessey, who won an excellent pitching duel against Jae Seo back in April. The first four batters against Hendrickson reached base, and three of them scored. Matt Cain didn't pitch the way Giant fans hoped he would (he was pulled in the 4th with the bases loaded and no out), but he was lucky that Hennessey bailed him out, as the Dodgers failed to score. He pitched three innings of one-hit relief and Armando Benitez closed the game, which is a rarity at Dodger Stadium. LA had plenty of chances to draw even or pull ahead, and the "mighty" Giants staff shut them out. This had to have been an anomaly.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, July 7, 2006

Los Angeles 9, San Francisco 7 at Dodger Stadium

W - Danys Baez (5-4)
L - Jeremy Accardo (1-3)
S - Takashi Saito (7)

LA 9 runs, 15 hits, 2 errors
SF 7 runs, 9 hits, 1 error

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (11), Barry Bonds, SF (12), Ray Durham, SF (11)

Dodgers' record - 45-41 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Chad Billingsley is definitely not going to save the rotation. In his last start, he allowed a runner to steal home without a throw. And in this start, he gave up Barry Bonds' 720th. This time around, he had the Dodger offense bail him out. Giovanni Carrara came in with the bases loaded and one out with the game tied and got two quick outs. The game see-sawed back and forth, but it took Nomar's 2-run blast off Jeremy Accardo in the 8th to seal the deal. This was a wild game in which no one's ERA was safe, yet Danys Baez somehow managed to get the win. Takashi Saito allowed an RBI single to Bonds in the 9th, but still managed to strike out Pedro Feliz on three pitches to get his seventh save. Eric Gagné was hospitalized with two herniated discs in his back. Thankfully, his replacement has done just fine.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, July 8, 2006

San Francisco 11, Los Angeles 7 at Dodger Stadium

W - Noah Lowry (4-5)
L - Derek Lowe (7-5)
S - Armando Benitez (10)

SF 11 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
LA 7 runs, 16 hits, 0 errors

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (7), Ray Durham, SF (12), Moises Alou, SF (10), Noah Lowry, SF (1)

Dodgers' record - 45-42 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: How do you get 16 hits and still lose? The answer: LOB. I don't know the numbers, but the Dodgers have to be at the top in runners left on base. And they also have a nasty habit of allowing HRs to the opposing pitcher (they did it three times last year). Derek Lowe got hammered for 8 hits and 7 runs in 4 2/3 innings, one of which came off Noah Lowry's first career HR. The first five batters reached base against Lowe in the first, and that kinda told us what kind of game we'd expect. Lowry didn't have a great outing himself (9 hits and 4 runs in 5 1/3 innings), but he did last enough to get the win. The Dodgers fought back, capped by Olmedo Saenz's 2-run shot off Brian Wilson to make the score 8-7, but Steve Finley continued the Curse of the Former Dodger with a 2-run triple in the 9th to put the game out of reach. The only good thing was that Toby Hall had three hits and an RBI; his firsts as a Dodger. Eat that, Colletti haters.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, July 9, 2006

Los Angeles 3, San Francisco 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Aaron Sele (6-2)
L - Jason Schmidt (6-5)
S - Takashi Saito (8)

LA 3 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
SF 1 run, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 46-42 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Grady Little should juggle the rotation to make sure that Aaron Sele pitches only at Dodger Stadium. In his career, he is 6-0 with a 1.65 ERA at Chavez Ravine, and to keep that perfect streak, he had to beat Dodger killer Jason Schmidt. Sele allowed 4 hits and one run in 6 innings to match his win total from last year (and 10 fewer losses). Schmidt allowed 7 hits and all three Dodger runs in six innings (which would qualify as a "quality start"), and the fans at the Ravine were treated to a rare pitching duel and a relief appearance by All-Star starter Brad Penny. Jeff Kent hasn't played since last week due to a strained muscle in his left side, but hopefully he'll have the All-Star break to heal until the brutal 4-game set against the Cards at the new Busch Stadium. Chad Billingsley will go tomorrow, which is tantamount to sending the lamb out to the slaughter.

[DodgerBlue81]

swept by the Cardinals 4 games. The Dodgers are a horrible team right now. They're still only 2½ games back, but would have no chance in the playoffs against the Cardinals or Mets.

[DownUnderDodger]

They have crashed and appear to be about to burn :hp

[DodgerBlue81]

I can't believe they actually won a game last night. :eek:

[Elvis]

All we need is some quality starts like Bilingsly had last night - his first since being called up. Let's hope this starts a trend.

[DownUnderDodger]

The post AS game form is no longer a slide, it is a free fall!!! 1-6 is pitiful!!

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, July 13, 2006

St. Louis 3, Los Angeles 2 in 14 innings at Busch Stadium

W - Braden Looper (5-1)
L - Odalis Perez (4-4)

STL 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
LA 2 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors

HR - Nomar Garciaparra, LA (12), Albert Pujols, STL (30), Jim Edmonds, STL (11)

Dodgers' record - 46-43 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Things could be worse. We could have the Braves' bullpen. Or the Padres' offense. The fact that the Dodgers' pen is awful, but not that awful statistically is a scary thing. Giovanni Carrara wasted a decent performance by rookie Chad Billingsley, who went 5 innings and allowed 6 hits and 5 walks and no runs. Carrara came in and allowed a game-tying 2-run shot to Dodger killer Jim Edmonds, and from then on, I knew the Cards were going to win it. The game dragged on for six more innings, and when Odalis Perez replaced Takashi Saito, the game was as good as over, as Albert Pujols, who came in batting .692 with 4 HR against Perez, hit one deep to left field to end it. Afterwards, Perez criticized the Dodgers, who were treating him "like trash." When you are being paid $8M a year and put up a 4-4 record and a 6.79 ERA, how can you not be treated like trash? The sad part is that no one wants him. Maybe we can DFA him and trade him for a class-A guy à la Jeff Weaver.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, July 14, 2006

St. Louis 5, Los Angeles 0 at Busch Stadium

W - Chris Carpenter (8-4)
L - Derek Lowe (7-6)

STL 5 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
LA 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors

HR - Juan Encarnacion, STL (12), Chris Duncan, STL (4)

Dodgers' record - 46-44 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers ran into a wall on Friday. A red wall. A Cardinal red wall. A wall who goes by the name of Chris Carpenter. The defending Cy Young champ two-hit the Dodgers, allowing only a pop-fly single to Rafael Furcal in the fourth and a single to Cesar Izturis in the eighth, and in doing so, he pitched his 10th career shutout. This Cards team looked nothing like the team that got slaughtered by the White Sox during interleague play, but then again, the Dodgers didn't look like the National League's best offense either. Juan Encarnacion continued the Curse of the Former Dodger, homering in the 8th off Danys Baez. Derek Lowe got hammered for 11 hits and 4 runs in 6 innings (David Eckstein had 4 of them), and only Giovanni Carrara didn't allow any more damage. Since the 2004 World Series, Lowe has yet to beat the Cardinals. Of couse, LA doesn't have Manny Ramirez or David Ortiz backing him up.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, July 15, 2006

St. Louis 2, Los Angeles 1 in 10 innings at Busch Stadium

W - Braden Looper (6-1)
L - Danys Baez (5-5)

STL 2 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Albert Pujols, STL (31)

Dodgers' record - 46-45 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This was one of those games that we all knew we were going to lose once we left the bases loaded with one out in the 9th inning. Cesar Izturis struck out and Toby Hall popped to shallow right. Then it was only a matter of time before the Dodgers' pen blew it. For the second time this series, the Dodgers wasted a good performance by their starter (in this case it was Mark Hendrickson, who went 6 2/3 innings and allowed only one run) and in the 10th inning Danys Baez blew the game by allowing a walk-off RBI single by Scott Rolen. At least Baez had the decency to walk Albert Pujols before losing the game. Now if Colletti had the decency to take out the trash...

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, July 16, 2006

St. Louis 11, Los Angeles 3 at Busch Stadium

W - Anthony Reyes (2-3)
L - Brad Penny (10-3)

STL 11 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 11 hits, 1 error

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (8), John Rodriguez, STL (2)

Dodgers' record - 46-46 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: For the first time in two months, the Dodgers have fallen to .500. And this time, there is reason to worry. Back in May, the team hadn't hit its stride, the rookies hadn't played much, and Odalis Perez was still in the rotation. This time, the Dodgers have had the best offense in the National League (until they scored only 6 runs in 42 innings in St. Louis), and the Dodgers thought they had addressed the problem by demoting Perez to the pen. So why did the Dodgers get swept in a 4-game series against St. Louis for the first time in 19 years? Maybe it had to do with Dodger bats getting cold. Or it could also be the fact that the Cards have a much better offense than the Dodgers. Or it could be that Perez convinced the team that they, too, were being treated like trash. In any case, rookie Anthony Reyes pitched 5 innings and allowed two runs to beat All-Star starter Brad Penny to cap off the four-game sweep. Albert Pujols went 4-for-5 to continue his mastery of Los Angeles and Chris Duncan and Yadier Molina each went 3-for-4 as the Cards pounded Dodger pitching for the second time in the series. What really angered me about the series was the fact that we didn't face Jeff Weaver in St. Louis to salvage at least one win.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, July 17, 2006

Arizona 8, Los Angeles 3 at Chase Field

W - Enrique Gonzalez (3-2)
L - Aaron Sele (6-3)

ARI 8 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - Eric Byrnes, ARI (13)

Dodgers' record - 46-47 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: We all thought that a change of scenery would be great for the Dodgers after the forgettable 4-game sweep at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals, but then we realized we hadn't won a game at Arizona all year. This DBacks team looked nothing like the team that got swept in LA two weeks ago, and certainly Enrique Gonzalez didn't look like the same wild pitcher in LA. Gonzalez helped his own cause by becoming the first Arizona pitcher since Curt Schilling to get three hits in a game, two off Aaron Sele, as the DBacks sent the Dodgers to their fifth straight loss and dropping them under .500 for the first time since May. This was another game in which you could tell how it was going to be once Mariano Duncan got tossed in the first inning. Umpire Angel Hernandez, who has a reputation for being not well-liked, donated Duncan's cap to a lucky fan at the Ballpark Formerly Known As The BOB. Eric Byrnes killed all hopes for a Dodger comeback with a three-run HR off Joe Beimel in Arizona's 5-run sixth inning. At least we can take solace in the fact that Willy Aybar got called up to replace the injured Jeff Kent after the game.

[DodgerBlue81]

lost again tonight :grouchy :mad:
Dodgers are done, forget it. Padres, Giants, or D-Backs will win the division.

[DodgerBlue81]

LOST AGAIN! Can't even beat Weaver. That's it, it's over, we're done. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Elvis]

LOST AGAIN! Can't even beat Weaver. That's it, it's over, we're done. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Hey, I bet that's what the Gnats fans were thinking in 1951. STranger things have happened - don't give up hope. We can't go on losing like this the rest of the season - if we did, we'd end up like 50-111! :laugh

All we need to do is get on a serious winning streak! It might happen!:dance

[DownUnderDodger]

This is depressing....I am going to bed!! :waving

[bluejaysfan4ever]

Don't worry, the Jays aren't doing much better either. At least you aren't the Kansas city Royals.

[mojorisin71]

Season swept by the Cards. This is too painful.

[Elvis]

Season swept by the Cards. This is too painful.

Twice in one week no less.

In just hope Coletti doesn't increase the pain by trading away too many kids in an "attempt" to bolster this years pathetic squad. I'd rather suffer in anticipation of the next two years when many of these kids come into their own. It will be too painfull if we see them blossom into all-stars on other teams.

[DodgerBlue81]

We can't go on losing like this the rest of the season - if we did, we'd end up like 50-111! :laugh


Lost AGAIN!!!! I'm not so sure we can't go on losing like this. I don't see the Dodgers winning more than 60 games. :mad:

[DodgerBlue81]

Don't worry, the Jays aren't doing much better either. At least you aren't the Kansas city Royals.

:laugh :crazy HAHAHA you're kidding right? The Blue Jays are a million times better than the Dodgers. No our record isn't as bad as the Royals, but if this continues even the Royals will end up with a better record.

[DodgerBlue81]

In just hope Coletti doesn't increase the pain by trading away too many kids in an "attempt" to bolster this years pathetic squad.

I don't think he will. By July 31 the Dodgers will be so far behind that they'll be trading away veterans.

[Elvis]

Gee, I wonder when we play the Pirates next? :gt

[DodgerBlue81]

Gee, I wonder when we play the Pirates next? :gt

LOL, you want to help the Pirates improve their record? I doubt we could beat them 2 out of 3.

[bluejaysfan4ever]

Anyone wanna bet who'll win tonight?

[DodgerBlue81]

WE LOST AGAIN!!!!!!! We're now dead last.

Dodgers, please win ONE more game this season, that's all I'm asking for now. Just win ONE game and then you can lose the rest, is that too much to ask? :gt

[DownUnderDodger]

Turned FOX on today and guess what....we have the Dodgers v Padres on TV. I was in two minds whether to watch it or do other things. Sadly I watched it. I did have a couple of glimmers of hope...in front 3-2, but they crashed........down 6-3 top of 8th, end of section.....level 6-6 bottom of 9th, they failed to hammer the nail in. Into extra innings, Padres score, and, as Vin Scully at the finish "and the Dodgers roll over". Heck, even the scoreboard attendants couldn't get it right....the 1st inning run scored by the Padres was attributed to the Dodgers??!! I guess that is about the only way they can look like winners at the moment.

Since the AS game:
1-11 win-loss
1.9 runs per game
.278 team average
4 HR

They deserve to be at the bottom of the heap with stats like that!!

[Elvis]

Vin Scully and Andre Ethier are the only two reasons I'm still watching the games. However, I still think we have a shot. I think we need a real inspirational win to break out of this funk. Maybe a game that we're down like 6 runs in the 8th or 9th and come back to win--that's what we need right now...but when!?!?!

[bluejaysfan4ever]

Well, this is a sign to jump onto the Angels bandwagon.

[mojorisin71]

Well, this is a sign to jump onto the Angels bandwagon.

Absolutely not.

[nateoxford]

Well, losing is part of being a Dodger fan. My question is: the Dodgers are down, but are they OUT? We were brilliant the first half, is it possible that we can regain that form in the remainder of the second?

nate

[DodgerBlue81]

The streak is over!!!!! The Dodgers actually won a game!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Elvis]

Woo Hoo!! 2 in a row! :dance :dance Just what we needed! Now if we can just play the Pirates and Nats and nobody else we might have a chance! :laugh

Seriously, I still have hope that we can make a run at the playoffs this year. But we need to win like 10 out of 12 or something. Seeing the Gnats and Pads ahead of us is making me feel sick.:( :eek:

[DownUnderDodger]

Three on the trot.....WOW!!! :crazy :clapping :gt

But before we get too excited it was only the Nationals, and when I saw the lowly rated Cubs have swept the Cards, who had recently swept the Dodgers, my heart is not really racing in anticapation of a miraculous comeback.....yet. One can always dream!!

[DodgerBlue81]

Amazing, a sweep, but still 4-13 since the All-Star break.

[DownUnderDodger]

4-13 is much better than 1-13!!

[Elvis]

5 in a row! Now we're talkin'! This team seems to have a totally different energy and vibe this past week. :gt

[DodgerBlue81]

5 in a row! Now we're talkin'! This team seems to have a totally different energy and vibe this past week. :gt

Wow 5 in a row. :eek:

How the hell does a team lose 13 of 14 games and then win 5 in a row? :confused:

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Los Angeles 4, Arizona 1 at Chase Field

W - Chad Billingsley (1-2)
L - Juan Cruz (3-5)

LA 4 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
ARI 1 run, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 47-47 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers are free-falling, and their first win since the All-Star break was did not go to aces Brad Penny or Derek Lowe (I use the term "ace" very loosely in this case). It went to rookie Chad Billingsley, who pitched the best game of his short career, going 7 scoreless innings to even the series with the "all-of-a-sudden-we-have-a-rivalry-with-Los-Angeles" Diamondbacks, although to be fair, the general sentiment among Arizonans is that California is the root of all evil. Nomar went 2-for-5 with a triple and Willy Aybar, who replaced Jeff Kent when he went on the 15-day DL also had 2 hits. Billingsley showed us a bit of what we hope he will do in the bigs, but he still has control problems. And we can't expect him to pitch out of bases-loaded jams every game.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Arizona 8, Los Angeles 0 at Chase Field

W - Miguel Batista (9-5)
L - Derek Lowe (7-7)

ARI 8 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
LA 0 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Shawn Green, ARI (9), Orlando Hudson, ARI (9)

Dodgers' record - 47-48 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Miguel Batista owns the Dodgers at home, whether it's with Toronto or with Arizona. He pitched a complete game six-hit shutout to further the Dodgers' post-All-Star slide and Shawn Green's HR was all the offense the DBacks needed. Orlando Hudson continued his mastery of Dodger pitching as well, hitting his third HR this season against them, which is an accomplishment, given that he's better known for his glove than for his power. Stephen Drew could very well be added to the "Wrong Brother syndrome," as he went 3-for-4 with a triple and as usual, JD Drew looked unenthusiastic at the plate, going 0-for-4. Someone tell me what DePodesta's reasoning was when he traded away Shawn Green for Dioner Navarro and three minor leaguers. When you traded within a division, you better exploit the other team's farm system. Instead, we used Navarro to get Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall, who immediately made it clear that he wants out of LA. Nice work, Paul. And people wonder why we were glad he was canned.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Arizona 5, Los Angeles 2 at Chase Field

W - Brandon Webb (11-3)
L - Mark Hendrickson (0-3)
S - Jorge Julio (11)

ARI 5 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
LA 2 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - Carlos Quentin, ARI (1)

Dodgers' record - 47-49 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: In three prior series against the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers did not have to face Brandon Webb. Well, their lucky streak is over (as if they needed any more bad news). And all Los Angeles could do was send former Sixer Mark Hendrickson to the mound to try to match up with the Arizona ace. Things went well until the second inning when Stephen Drew hit an RBI double and Dodger killer Orlando Hudson hit an RBI single to give Arizona the lead, which they never relinquished. The Dodgers didn't help their cause by grounding into four double plays, either. Perhaps we were expecting too much out of Hendrickson, who had already beaten the DBacks earlier this year? Rookie Carlos Quentin hit his first career HR off the former basketball player, which prompted Luis Gonzalez to announce his future departure from Arizona. Lighten up, Gonzo. It was only a day off. It's not like Bob Melvin is benching you in favor of the rookie.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, July 21, 2006

St. Louis 2, Los Angeles 0 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jeff Suppan (7-5)
L - Brad Penny (10-4)
S - Jason Isringhausen (27)

STL 2 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors
LA 0 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Chris Duncan, STL (5)

Dodgers' record - 47-50 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: If the Dodgers have any shot at the playoffs, they better hope that the Wild Card comes out of the East. Otherwise, they'll have to face off against the Cards in the postseason. That ludicrous statement aside, the Dodgers would be better off playing in the American League just to avoid the Cardinals. Jeff Suppan threw seven shutout innings and Chris Duncan's HR in the fourth inning was all the Cards needed to beat the Dodgers for the fifth straight time this season. Suppan also recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Dodgers, and the Curse of the Former Dodger returned to Dodger Stadium, this time in the form of Juan Encarnacion, who had a bases-loaded single. Brad Penny went 6 2/3 innings and allowed both runs, which would still qualify as a "quality start." What we need is a quality team.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, July 22, 2006

St. Louis 6, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jeff Weaver (1-1)
L - Aaron Sele (6-4)

STL 6 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors
LA 1 run, 6 hits, 0 errors

HR - Albert Pujols, STL (32), Jim Edmonds, STL (15), Chris Duncan, STL (6)

Dodgers' record - 47-51 (4th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: When I looked at the pitching matchups for this game, I instinctively thought "this was an easy win." Jeff Weaver had everything going against him: a 3-11 overall record, an ERA over 6.00, a WHIP worse than Odalis Perez, and getting shelled by the Braves the Monday before. Unfortunately one thing alone trumped all these things: the fact that he's a former Dodger. Looking nothing like the pitcher that got slaughtered in Anaheim, he actually pitched into the sixth inning, allowing only a run in the first inning, as Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, and Chris Duncan cemented their names in the long line of Dodger killers, pounding Aaron Sele and giving him his first career loss at Dodger Stadium. After nine losses in ten games, the Dodgers called a players-only meeting. It came six games too late.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, July 23, 2006

St. Louis 6, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jason Marquis (12-7)
L - Chad Billingsley (1-3)

STL 6 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
LA 1 run, 5 hits, 1 error

HR - Juan Encarnacion, STL (13, 14)

Dodgers' record - 47-52 (4th in NL West [by percentage points])

QUICKIE RECAP: This is 2005 all over again. Only it's worse. At least the DePodesta Dodgers won a game against the Cardinals. This time, St. Louis season swept the Dodgers, becoming the second NL team to do so since the team moved to LA (the Bravos won all six games played between them in 1994, but the strike erased the final seven meetings). Jason Marquis pitched 8 shutout innings to cement the Cards' dominance, and Juan Encarnacion hit two HRs to further the Curse of the Former Dodger. In all fairness, Encarnacion was traded for Brad Penny in 2004, but it's painful to see former Dodgers come back to hit the ball when they couldn't do it wearing Blue. The good news: Sandy Alomar was traded to the defending champs, the Chicago White Sox, for a minor leaguer. The fire sale has begun.

[mojorisin71]

Monday, July 24, 2006

San Diego 7, Los Angeles 6 in 11 innings at Dodger Stadium

W - Doug Brocail (1-0)
L - Giovanni Carrara (0-1)
S - Trevor Hoffman (27)

SD 7 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
LA 6 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (7,8), Mike Cameron, SD (14)

Dodgers' record - 47-53 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers finally found their missing offense after being outscored 57-8 against the Cardinals this year. Trouble is, so did the Padres. Andre Ethier went 4-for-5 with 2 HRs, but aside from Rafael Furcal's two hits, the rest of the team was silenced by Padre pitching, save for a miraculous 8th inning. With runners at the corners, Russ Martin his a long, fly ball towards Terrmel Sledge but he dropped the ball, allowing two runs to score (the scorer somehow ruled it a double). Ricky Ledée had a rare pinch-hit single to tie the game, but in the 11th, Josh Barfield hit a bloop single which landed between Rafael Furcal and Jose Cruz, Jr. for a two-out double, and Josh Bard hit the game-winning single, sending the Dodgers to their sixth extra-inning loss and their 11th loss in 12 games. That players-only meeting did them a lot of good.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

San Diego 7, Los Angeles 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Chan Ho Park (7-6)
L - Mark Hendrickson (0-4)

SD 7 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
LA 3 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors

HR - Kenny Lofton, LA (1), Mike Cameron, SD (15)

Dodgers' record - 47-54 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Chan Ho Park had the best years of his career with the Dodgers. So it seemed natural for him to come back and hurt the Dodgers for the second time this season. He went 6 innings and despite allowing 10 hits, he only allowed three runs. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-for-5 with three RBI, but the game was determined in the sixth inning, when Toby Hall advanced to second on an RBI groundout, and with two outs, JD Drew lined a single to Mike Cameron, and Hall tried to score, but Cameron made a perfect throw to - who else - Mike Piazza, who tagged out Hall. With plays like that one, we'll gladly grant you your wish to get you out of LA.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

San Diego 10, Los Angeles 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jake Peavy (5-10)
L - Brad Penny (10-5)

SD 10 runs, 15 hits, 1 error
LA 3 runs, 7 hits, 1 error

HR - Rafael Furcal, LA (5), Adrian Gonzalez, SD (19), Jake Peavy, SD (2)

Dodgers' record - 47-55 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: 12 losses in 13 games, which is the worst stretch in LA history. 7½ games out of first place, and they've lost 8 straight. They've been outscored 81-29 in those 13 games. And when the opposing pitcher hits a HR and a double off your ace, you run the risk of becoming the Kansas City Royals. Then again, the Royals swept the Dodgers last year at Kauffman. Jake Peavy pitched 7 innings of 5-hit ball and pounded Brad Penny to get his first win in almost two months. Peavy also had 4 RBIs in the game, which given the current status of Dodger pitching, isn't surprising. Adrian Gonzalez hit his 19th HR of the season to put the finishing touches in the 3-game sweep. In the sixth inning, Penny and Kenny Lofton were seen arguing and pointing fingers at each other in the dugout. When you're the worst team since the All-Star break, you need all the excitement you can get. LA is now 3-8 against the Padres this season, and with 7 games between them, things look to get worse. At the very least, the Dodgers traded away Odalis Perez for Elmer Dessens. Even with the waste disposal, LA still can't win.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, July 28, 2006

Los Angeles 13, Washington 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Chad Billingsley (2-3)
L - Tony Armas, Jr. (7-6)

LA 13 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
WAS 1 run, 7 hits, 3 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (10), Andre Ethier, LA (9), Cesar Izturis, LA (1)

Dodgers' record - 48-55 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers ended their 8-game slide with a vengeance, scoring 13 runs in one game after scoring 29 in their previous 13. Every starter except for Chad Billingsley had at least one hit, and JD Drew snapped his 42-game homerless drought with a grand slam off Roy Corcoran to move the Dodgers closer to the elusive 50-win mark. Andre Ethier hit his third home run in four games and even Cesar Izturis got into the act, hitting a HR to deep right, his first in exactly one year (listening to Vin Scully fumble with the current date was priceless). Despite the win, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Chad Billingsley has both of the Dodger wins since the All-Star break, and before the game, the Dodgers traded away Danys Baez and Willy Aybar for Wilson Betemit, which means that Izturis' days with the club are numbered. And aside from Elmer Dessens, Colletti hasn't addressed the pitching needs. Stay tuned.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Washington 5 at Dodger Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (8-7)
L - Mike O'Connor (3-7)
S - Jonathan Broxton (1)

LA 7 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
WAS 5 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - Rafael Furcal, LA (6), Russ Martin, LA (5), Nick Johnson, WAS (15)

Dodgers' record - 49-55 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Stop the presses. The Dodgers' win streak is at two. Derek Lowe won his first game in almost a month, snapping a three-game losing streak, as he outpitched rookie Mike O'Connor and the injury-riddled Nationals, going 5 innings to get the win. Russ Martin homered and drove in four runs, and Rafael Furcal also went yard as the Dodgers broke open the game in the fifth inning to send the Nationals to their second straight loss after winning six straight. The win clinches the series for the first time ever against Washington and the first time against the franchise since May of 2004. Elmer Dessens pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings and Jonathan Broxton got his first save of the season, exactly one year after he struck out Albert Pujols in his major league debut. After watching Odalis Perez get lit up by the White Sox, it was sweet knowing anything we got for him would be an upgrade.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Los Angeles 4, Washington 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jonathan Broxton (2-0)
L - Jon Rauch (3-2)
S - Takashi Saito (9)

LA 4 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
WAS 3 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

HR - JD Drew, LA (11), Andre Ethier, LA (10), Jose Cruz, Jr., LA (5)

Dodgers' record - 50-55 (5th in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers completed the sweep of the Nationals, who can't seem to beat anyone other than the Giants, and they did it without Nomar, who was placed on the 15-day DL before the game. Former Angel Ramon Ortiz, who beat the Dodgers at RFK back in May, surrendered three HRs to the Dodgers, one each to JD Drew, Andre Ethier, and Jose Cruz, Jr. But it took a rare hit with runners in scoring position to win the game, as James Loney led off with a double and Cesar Izturis doubled down the right field line to send him home. Although this game proved to be Izturis and Cruz's farewell, this game will most likely be remembered for Mark Hendrickson falling off the mound and being called for a balk, which scored a run. He remains winless in the National League. And in a rare occasion, the Curse of the Former Dodger was dormant on Sunday, as Jonathan Broxton got Daryle Ward to ground into an inning-ending double play in the 8th inning. I guess these things need to take a couple of days off, right?

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Cincinnati 4 at Great American Ballpark

W - Aaron Sele (7-4)
L - Bill Bray (2-2)

LA 10 runs, 17 hits, 0 errors
CIN 4 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

HR - Wilson Betemit, LA (1), Adam Dunn, CIN (32), David Ross, CIN (13)

Dodgers' record - 51-55 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: These aren't your April 2006 Dodgers. On July 31, the Dodgers had an off-day (not really, since they made the trip to Cincinnati), and upon arrival, they learned that Ned Colletti had traded fan favorite Cesar Izturis for future HOFer Greg Maddux (somehow the uproar was less than it was for the LoDuca trade), and also traded former top prospect Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza for Julio Lugo. Whether or not the trades will be beneficial to the Dodgers is another story, but the Dodgers took the field with a slightly different look. The Dodgers got to Bronson Arroyo quickly, jumping out for four runs in the third inning when Andre Ethier had an RBI single, Wilson Betemit hit his first HR as a Dodger, and James Loney had an RBI single in the inning. Adam Dunn tied things up with his 32nd HR in the sixth, but in the seventh, the Reds' bullpen faltered with the help of two errors in the inning. Ryan Freel dropped a fly ball from Betemit to load the bases with one out, and then Russ Martin hit the ball to Royce Clayton who stepped on second to retire Betemit, but the throw to first pulled Scott Hatteberg off the bag, extending the inning. Rafael Furcal cleared the bases with a double and for the second straight season, the Dodgers pounded the Reds in their first game at the Great American Ballpark. Aaron Sele, despite earning his first win on the road, got demoted to the bullpen soon after. Are you comfortable with him or Mark Hendrickson?

[Solair Wright]

We're witnessing history so far... LA Dodgers: 2R-7H-0E, Cincinnati: 0R-0H-0E in the middle of the 7th. It's a no-hitter so far! Let's hope this ends the no-no drought...

Edit: Guess not.

[mojorisin71]

I blame Charley Steiner for mentioning it at the end of every half-inning. I made it a point not to look at the box score throughout the game.

[Elvis]

I blame Charley Steiner for mentioning it at the end of every half-inning. I made it a point not to look at the box score throughout the game.

I believe he and Lyons uttered the word "no-hitter" at least 53 times before the rains came. Don't those two morons know you're not supposed to do that?!

Stiener is a complete buffoon masquerading as a broadcaster.

[Elvis]

6 straight! 2nd consecutive sweep!

[DodgerBlue81]

6 straight! 2nd consecutive sweep!

How does a team lose 13 of 14 and then win 6 straight. :confused: :crazy

[Elvis]

How does a team lose 13 of 14 and then win 6 straight. :confused: :crazy

Growing pains! :)

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Los Angeles 5, Cincinnati 3 at Great American Ballpark

W - Brad Penny (11-5)
L - Elizardo Ramirez (4-7)
S - Takashi Saito (10)

LA 5 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
CIN 3 runs, 4 hits, 1 error

HR - Ken Griffey, Jr., CIN (22), Scott Hatteberg, CIN (10), Royce Clayton, CIN (1)

Dodgers' record - 52-55 (T-3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Before people start praising Colletti for all the deadline deals he made, keep in mind that this game was played at the bandbox known as the Great American Ballpark. Then again, All-Star starter Brad Penny did everything he could to stop his personal losing streak. He atoned for allowing three HRs by hitting a double to straightaway center field to open the scoring, and Kenny Lofton and Andre Ethier each had two hits, as they pounded Elizardo Ramirez for 5 hits and 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings. And in a rare occasion, Penny picked off Ryan Freel from first base in the fifth inning. Just who are these guys and what are they doing wearing the Blue? What next, a pitcher hitting a HR?

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, August 3, 2006

Los Angeles 3, Cincinnati 0 at Great American Ballpark

W - Greg Maddux (1-0)
L - Eric Milton (7-7)
S - Takashi Saito (11)

LA 3 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
CIN 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors

HR - Olmedo Saenz, LA (9)

Dodgers' record - 53-55 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: One of the cardinal rules in baseball is to NEVER talk about a no-hitter in progress. If you don't have anything to talk about, talk about the players' lives, their tastes, their favorite bands, etc. Anything other than the potential no-hitter in progress. Which is something that Charley Steiner never learned to do. Greg Maddux had a memorable Dodger debut, no-hitting the Reds for 6 innings, facing one batter over the minimum, and after a 45-minute rain delay in the middle of the seventh inning, Grady Little removed him in favor of Joe Beimel. He then promptly surrendered a hit to Scott Hatteberg to lead off the seventh. While Beimel isn't exactly lights-out, I still say Steiner is at fault for denying the Dodgers their first no-no since Hideo Nomo's no-hitter at Coors Field 10 years ago. Lost in all the rain delays was Olmedo Saenz's HR to get closer to his career high of 15, set last year. I have a feeling that the Dodgers will not pitch a no-hitter as long as Steiner is calling games for the Dodgers.

[Elvis]

I have a feeling that the Dodgers will not pitch a no-hitter as long as Steiner is calling games for the Dodgers.

:laugh :mad:


-------------

[DodgerBlue81]

8 in a row, back to .500!! :clapping

[UnderPressure]

9 in a row!

[DodgerBlue81]

HAHAHA 9 in a row!! :eek: :clapping :crazy :gt

[Elvis]

Just got back from the Ravine...10 straight!! Kenny Lofton and Jeff Kent (In his first game back) shined with the bats, especially Lofton who went 4 for 5! Furcal and Lugo really showed some flashy glovework, and Penny was his usual dominating self!

Ricky Ledee is useless off the bench. Looked absolutley cluless as he looked at strike three. Why is he on the roster?

Great energy in the ballpark tonight! Lots to cheer about as we scored in almost every inning...And I had nice seats behind the plate too! :cool:

[DodgerBlue81]

11 straight!!!!!!!! :gt :clapping

tied for the wild card

Betemit is on fire

[DodgerBlue81]

The streak is over. :(

Now let's see how they respond because what usually follows a long winning streak (for any team) is a cold stretch. For the good teams the cold stretch that follows a long winning streak usually doesn't last too long.

[DodgerBlue81]

And now Saito blows the game :mad:

[Elvis]

...And Lofton wins the game!!!

Introducing, your 1st place Los Angeles Dodgers!!!!

...and Saito didn't blow the game, it was bad defence behind him. ;)

[DodgerBlue81]

:clapping :clapping

I can't believe it, 1st place, let's see how long it lasts

[DownUnderDodger]

Wouldn't get too excited about being in first place at this stage - if the season continues the way it has with the 5 teams in the NL West playing a game of leap frog, by this time next week any one of the teams could occupy the top spot. It is at playoff time that the DODGERS need to be in 1st place.

[DodgerBlue81]

After losing 13 of 14, the Dodgers have now won 13 of 14!! :crazy :cool: :clapping

[Elvis]

What a team! How sweet it is--the fruits of victory!!

[DodgerBlue81]

HAHA won again, 14 of 15!!! :cool: :) :clapping

Betemit still on fire

[Elvis]

Looks like a new streak has begun!

And just so we don't jinx anything per Mojo's request... Dodgers STILL Suck! :mad:

[TheKingofKings]

Finally we have 2 men on base in the 8th against SF and Nomar is up , the count is 1-2 and Nomar has just Ked out and here comes Jeff Kent with 2 down . Oh no !!! Jeff Kent just fouled out to eend the threat.

[Elvis]

15 of 16!!

Wooooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maddux is washed up!! :D

But We still stink!!!

[UnderPressure]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!

[cbenson5]

I watched the Dodger/Giants game tonight on ESPN until Maddux left the game.
He pitched eight innings of shutout ball and only threw 63 pitches. This is one of the finest performance of the year. Not bad for a 40 year old man with over 4,500 innnings under his belt. It was like going back into the mid 90's. Vintage Maddux. He located all of his pitches perfectly and did an incredible job of changing speeds. That man flat out knows how to pitch. If you get more vintage performances like this out of Maddux, you will run away with the division. A game like this brings out many fond memories of Maddux when he was with the Braves. It was absolutely spectacular.

[GnomeR]

There was something that really resonated with me regarding Maddox tonight. I think it was Joe Morgan who commented that the Bonds deep fly would have been a home run at Wrigley field. And then instead of talking about what a great performance Maddox had, we'd be talking about another loss on his lackluster win/loss record.

Hurling half the time from the mound in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium has the potential to help a smart pitcher like Maddog out more than the average joe.

[Elvis]

Joe Morgan trying to be objective during a Dodger broadcast is a joke.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, August 4, 2006

Los Angeles 6, Florida 2 at Dolphins Stadium

W - Derek Lowe (9-7)
L - Aníbal Sanchez (4-2)

LA 6 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
FLA 2 runs, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Wilson Betemit, LA (2), Kenny Lofton, LA (2)

Dodgers' record - 54-55 (3rd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Fresh from Greg Maddux's impressive Dodger debut, the Dodgers headed down I-75 to South Florida to take on the surprising Marlins (admit it, most of you thought that they'd be worse than the Pirates at this point of the season) and three of their best young arms (we missed out a chance to hurt Dontrelle Willis again). Derek Lowe faced off against Aníbal (doesn't rhyme with "Hannibal," although it's the same name) Sanchez, and they both threw well, except that Lowe allowed one less run and one less hit in one more inning. Kenny Lofton homered and drove in two runs, but there was one stat that puzzled me. I'm pretty sure that Wilson Betemit hit his first HR as a Dodger on August 1. So why did ESPN say that this game was the one where he first went yard wearing Blue? They can't use the "game start at 10:00 PM" excuse, because that game was played in the Eastern Time Zone. In any case, ESPN should stick to what it does best: covering the Yankees and the Red Sox.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, August 5, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Florida 2 at Dolphins Stadium

W - Chad Billingsley (3-3)
L - Josh Johnson (9-6)

LA 10 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
FLA 2 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 55-55 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers finally made it back to .500 immediately after losing eight straight games, and it took their most successful pitcher in that span to get them there. Chad Billingsley pitched 6 innings of 3-hit ball to record his third career win, all after the All-Star break, as the Dodgers pounded the NL's ERA leader, Josh Johnson, for 8 hits and 5 runs in only 3 innings. Andre Ethier went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs, Rafael Furcal drove in 3 more, and James Loney also drove in 2 runs. The only thing that needed fixing in the game was Billingsley's control, as the only run he surrendered was on a bases-loaded walk to catcher Josh Willingham. He only allowed two walks, but he was making too many pitches and the counts seemed to go full on almost every batter. And we can't look to Rick Honeycutt for help, either. In any case, the Dodgers became the first team since the 2001 Cubs to lose eight straight and then win eight straight. None of the other teams to do so have made the postseason. I hope this breaks the trend.

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, August 6, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Florida 3 at Dolphins Stadium

W - Mark Hendrickson (1-4)
L - Scott Olsen (9-5)

LA 7 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
FLA 3 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors

HR - None

Dodgers' record - 56-55 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: Back on July 26, if someone had told me that the Dodgers would be back over .500 in the first week in August, I would have dismissed that person as a Dodger homer who believes that every season should end 162-0. Sure, I dreamed it would happen, but then I'd be cautious of some misfortune about to happen to me. Nevertheless, LA is now one game over .500 after an average game by Mark Hendrickson of all people. The former Sixer went 6 innings, allowing three runs, but he left the game trailing 3-1 and only an outburst by the Dodgers in the seventh inning saved him from getting the loss; in fact, it gave him his first career win in the National League. Ramon Martinez led off the seventh with an infield hit and advanced to third on a bunt single by Rafael Furcal and a passed ball, and then Jason Repko walked to load the bases. Julio Lugo also walked, forcing in a run, and Olmedo Saenz did the same to tie the game. Wilson Betemit (who needs Danys Baez anyway?) hit a 2-run single and Toby Hall followed with a 2-run double to finish the scoring. The Marlins used four pitchers in the fateful seventh, and one of them figures to be out for a while, as Logan Kensing left the game with elbow soreness while pitching to Lugo. Afterwards, it was revealed that "owner" Jeffrey Loria was ready to fire manager Joe Girardi after he told him not to argue with the umpires over balls and strikes. Although it would have been unfair, it wouldn't have surprised me, as everything Loria touches gets ruined (see the Expos).

[mojorisin71]

Monday, August 7, 2006

Los Angeles 7, Colorado 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (12-5)
L - Josh Fogg (7-7)

LA 7 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
COL 2 runs, 5 hits, 1 error

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (10), Garrett Atkins, COL (17), Brad Hawpe, COL (16)

Dodgers' record - 57-55 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers returned home after sweeping the road trip to Cincinnati and Opa-Locka, and they looked to stretch the team's longest winning streak in three years against the Rockies, who are 2-7 against Los Angeles this year. The scary part about the nine-game winning streak is that both Jeff Kent and Nomar were out with injuries. And on Monday night, Kent returned off the DL with a vengeance, as he quickly made his presence felt with an RBI double in the first and a 2-run HR in the third. Brad Penny went 8 innings, allowing only solo shots to Dodger killers Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe, and he lowered his ERA against them to 0.99 this year. The bad news: Ricky Ledée was placed on waivers (the Mets claimed him) and Elmer Dessens was placed on the DL to make room for Kent. And Rafael Furcal's 13-game hitting streak was over.

[mojorisin71]

Tuesday, August 8, 2006

Los Angeles 4, Colorado 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brett Tomko (7-6)
L - Byung-Hyun Kim (7-7)
S - Takashi Saito (12)

LA 4 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
COL 2 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

HR - Rafael Furcal, LA (7), Wilson Betemit, LA (3)

Dodgers' record - 58-55 (2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: 11 games ago, the Dodgers were mired in last place, 7½ games behind the first-place Padres and they were eight games below .500. Now they've won 11 straight and closed the gap to within a half-game of San Diego, who lost to the Mets before the game started. Greg Maddux pitched well in his first home start for the Dodgers, allowing 2 runs and 7 hits in six innings, but left trailing 2-2 in the seventh. Wilson Betemit is quickly making himself at home with Los Angeles, hitting a home run off Colorado starter and launching pad Byung-Hyun Kim and Olmedo Saenz added a pinch-hit RBI single to send the Dodgers to their 11th straight win. The streak is the longest since May of 1993. Jose Mesa allowed an eighth-inning run to snap his career scoreless streak against the Dodgers. Brett Tomko stole the win from Maddux, but it didn't matter anyway. The Dodgers are quickly forcing their way onto ESPN.

[mojorisin71]

Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Colorado 3, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium

W - Jeremy Affeldt (2-0)
L - Derek Lowe (9-8)
S - Brian Fuentes (23)

COL 3 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
LA 1 run, 6 hits, 1 error

HR - Brad Hawpe, COL (17)

Dodgers' record - 58-56 (T-2nd in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This was a game in which you knew things were going to go wrong before they did. Sure, Nomar was back in the lineup after being activated from the 15-day DL before the game. But the Dodgers were sending a pitcher who hasn't done terribly well against the Rockies in the past, and to make matters worse, JD Drew lived up to his reputation, leaving with a strained left quad in the fourth. Lowe and Jeff Francis had a rare pitching duel, with Francis going 7 2/3 innings and allowing only 6 hits while neutralizing the Dodger offense. Which meant that Lowe was going to do the work himself. The only Dodger run came on a sac fly off Lowe's bat, and when the Dodgers left the bases loaded in the eighth, we knew the streak was going to end soon. Lowe started the ninth and got an out before Todd Helton doubled. After pinch-runner Jamey Carroll was caught off-guard on a ground ball to Julio Lugo, Matt Holliday singled to put runners on first and second. Takashi Saito came in and allowed Dodger killer Brad Hawpe to line an RBI single over Lugo's head to score Garrett Atkins, and on the next play, Holliday was caught in a rundown between third and home, but Russ Martin couldn't hang on to the ball and Holliday scored easily to make the score 3-1. Brian Fuentes got three quick outs to get his 23rd save and to put an end to the Dodgers' longest streak in 13 years. Which was bad, because the Padres had lost to the Mets before the game began and the Dodgers missed a chance to be in first all by themselves.

[mojorisin71]

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Los Angeles 4, Colorado 3 at Dodger Stadium

W - Takashi Saito (4-2)
L - Jose Mesa (0-5)

LA 4 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
COL 3 runs, 8 hits, 1 error

HR - Andre Ethier, LA (11), Matt Holliday, COL (21)

Dodgers' record - 59-56 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: The Dodgers were in danger of splitting the four games against the Rockies, and it figured to end that way given Chad Billingsley's line: 5 innings, three hits, one run, and six walks. Jason Jennings outpitched Billingsley, but in the end, the Rockies lost in a typical fashion: another bullpen meltdown. With the score tied 2-2 in the eighth, Ray King allowed a tiebreaking solo shot from Andre Ethier and was promptly ejected after throwing a ball that he felt should have been a strike to Wilson Betemit. But in the ninth, Takashi Saito allowed a leadoff triple to Todd Helton, and on the throw back to the infield, Jeff Kent hurled the ball into the stands, which allowed him to score easily, costing Saito his first MLB blown save. He recovered, getting the heart of the Rockies' lineup out, and in the bottom of the ninth with one out, Julio Lugo walked, Rafael Furcal singled him to second, and Kenny Lofton singled Lugo home, sending the Dodgers to their 12th win in 13 games and sole possession of first place (the Padres had been swept by the Mets before the game began) for the first time since June 26. Since then, the Dodgers got a taste of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and last. Ever since the trade deadline, the Dodgers have been nothing but busts. This is a fluke stretch. They'll be in last very soon.

[mojorisin71]

Friday, August 11, 2006

Los Angeles 3, San Francisco 2 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brett Tomko (8-6)
L - Mike Stanton (0-1)
S - Jonathan Broxton (2)

LA 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
SF 2 runs, 10 hits, 1 error

HR - Jeff Kent, LA (11)

Dodgers' record - 60-56 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: If there's one thing I realized from my brief road trip last week, it's that the Central Valley is split between Dodgers and Giants (with the exception of Fresno and Clovis, which are heavily pro-Giants, for obvious reasons). I tuned into this game in Oakhurst (about 45 minutes north of Fresno) and got surprisingly good reception up in the Sierra Nevadas, but for some reason, the closer I got to Fresno and the 99, I got a lot of static. However, I did get to catch a part of the Mark Hendrickson/Noah Lowry pitching duel, in which Hendrickson allowed 10 hits and 4 walks but only two runs in seven innings to outduel Noah Lowry, and after a brief pit stop in Visalia (the only Valley town I stop in between Fresno and the Grapevine), the game resumed in the seventh, with JD Drew hitting a leadoff double off Mike Stanton and Andre Ethier singling him to third. Julio Lugo followed with a sac fly off Brian Wilson and Jonathan Broxton got his second save of the season to send the Dodgers to their 13th win in 14 games and the Giants to their worst slump of the season. Bonds went 1-for-1 with three walks, but only one of those did any damage, as Ray Durham hit an RBI single to tie the game at 1. When you're 350 miles from LA and still get good reception from the Dodger broadcasting team, I have to hand it to the Dodgers radio network on doing a good job making sure half of California listens to the Blue.

The game ended as soon as the broadcast (from 1560 AM in Bakersfield) died as soon as I made the ascent into Lebec/Gorman. So I was able to listen to most of the game from Gold Country to the northernmost limit of Southern California. Impressive.

[mojorisin71]

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Los Angeles 6, San Francisco 5 at Dodger Stadium

W - Brad Penny (13-5)
L - Matt Cain (8-9)
S - Takashi Saito (13)

LA 6 runs, 14 hits, 2 errors
SF 5 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors

HR - Wilson Betemit, LA (4)

Dodgers' record - 61-56 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: With this win over the Giants, every NL West team has been in first place for at least 20 days. The Dodgers looked to extend that stay as long as possible at the expense of the hated Orange and Black (the greatest rivalry in baseball), and they got to rookie Matt Cain early and often. He got shelled for 10 hits and six runs in 4 innings, and although Brad Penny didn't pitch like the All-Star starter that struck out the side in the first inning, he still got enough for the win despite the bullpen threatening to melt down again. Giovanni Carrara allowed back-to-back doubles to Todd Linden and Omar Vizquel to make the score 6-5 in favor of LA, but Joe Beimel got Barry Bonds to ground out after walking Ray Durham (with the way he's been hitting, shouldn't Bonds be ahead of him?). Takashi Saito also threatened to pitch like he did last Thursday, but he got Steve Finley on a deep fly ball to right and Vizquel grounded out to short to end it. The Dodgers have won 14 of 15 since going 1-13 after the All-Star break. The question is, is this a sign the team is for real or are they going through another Finley-type streakiness?

[mojorisin71]

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Los Angeles 1, San Francisco 0 in 10 innings at Dodger Stadium

W - Takashi Saito (5-2)
L - Vinnie Chulk (0-1)

LA 1 run, 6 hits, 0 errors
SF 0 runs, 3 hits, 1 error

HR - Russell Martin, LA (6)

Dodgers' record - 62-56 (1st in NL West)

QUICKIE RECAP: This was the perfect baseball game. Pitching duels have become a rarity these days, and what better way to showcase them than on national television? Dodger killer Jason Schmidt and new Dodger Greg Maddux put on a show that even Koufax and Marichal would have liked. Each went 8 innings without allowing any runs, and although Maddux was removed after making only 68 pitches (why, Grady, why?) and retiring the last 22 batters he faced, the Dodgers still came out on top. LA had a chance to end the game early in the 8th, but Nomar struck out and Jeff Kent fouled out with runners on first and second. In the 10th, newly-acquired Vinnie Chulk made only two pitches to Russ Martin, who smacked the ball deep into left field over Todd Linden's head to send the Dodgers to their 15th win in 16 games and their first three-game sweep of the Giants in Los Angeles in 17 years. A classic pitching duel, a walk-off hit, and the Giants are now mired in last place. As it should be.

[DodgerBlue81]

15 of 16!!

:clapping :) :gt

[Elvis]

...The bad news: Ricky Ledée was placed on waivers...

Have you been drinking? ;) I beg to disagree, inasmuch as it was bad news to trade Odalis. I was at that game, Monday. I remember as soon as we saw Ledee coming up to pinch hit we knew it was automatically inning over. He meekly struck out looking. :noidea

Bu Bye, Ricky! :dance Thanks for the , uh, memories?

[Elvis]

16 of 17!!!!!!!

WOW!!!!!

Best winning stretch in LA Dodger HISTORY!!!!

By the way, did anyone else realise that the last time we had a 300+ game winner on the Dodgers was...1988? Coincidence? Probably, but so what?

What a ******* team!!

We Suck Monkey Muffins!!! We will NEVER EVER WIN ANOTHER DIVISION!!! I HATE THIS MISERABLE DODGER TEAM!