Dodgers 6, Diamondbacks 5
In the bottom of the eighth inning, I hastily pounded out a blog entry saying the Dodgers were going to have a very, very hard time winning this division because the Diamondbacks have Dan Haren and Brandon Webb and the Dodgers, well, don't. Having completed it, I set it up a mouseclick away from posting and settled back to watch the ninth inning. Approx. half an hour later, the Dodgers' universe looked very different from up here in the Chase Field press box, and, one would imagine, from the clubhouse, as well. If this team DOES win this division, these players and their fans will look back for a long time on what transpired in that ninth inning -- particularly when Matt Kemp stepped to the plate with two outs and saw eight pitches from a struggling Brandon Lyon, five of them with two strikes, before he ultimately shot a game-tying, RBI double up the gap in left-center, the ball rolling to the deepest part of the park while Pablo Ozuna raced all the way home from first and dived stylishly into home plate. Andre Ethier and Russell Martin followed with RBI hits of their own and Jonathan Broxton proved he can overcome his own shakiness to record a save, as well, and the Dodgers pulled even with the Snakes once again at 48-50. The boys take two of three. Snakes coming to Chavez Ravine a week from Thursday for a four-game rematch. In the interim, it's on to Colorado for three, then back home for three each with the Nats and the Giants.
Great win, but it won't mean diddly if they fall flat in Denver. The only way this win means anything is if they continue to win series from opponents consistently. Rox are getting Tulowitzki back tomorrow, but no excuses... This team should be at least 7 games on top of Colorado after this upcoming series. Anything less diminishes the effect of this win in my view.
Consistency!!!!
They took 2/3 from the division leaders on the road. (And did so on a night when Az's ace was dealing). Nothing is going to change that.
Enjoy the win tonight and hit and then get right back to business...go team.
BROOKLYN DODGER IS A PROPHET ...Kershaw is on his way back.
Coach,
Thanks. I'll try not to let it go to my head. I haven't heard or read anything about him coming back. Where did you see it?
Very nice win but, as we all know, this team has shown no ability to hit front line starting pitching, this series included. Until they show that, there's no reason to get excited.
Of course there's a reason to get excited, Gibster. Remember '88? More importantly, remember '06? That team came out of the abyss to get into the playoffs. Sunday's 9th Inning was the first sign of life from this crew since the first week of April...the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step and that footprint was planted firmly on Brandon Lyon's already singed buttocks...
Coach,
Take back the thanks. I responded this morning before I was fully awake. It appears that you were mocking my opinion that Kershaw would be brought back sometime after the series at Coors.
If I'm wrong, then I apologize profusely. If not, exactly what is your point?
Nice win. It was fun to watch.
I am concerned that Ned Colletti, fearing his job is on the line, will make a desperation trade to win NOW, ignoring long term effects.
Until the trade deadline passes, I will be nervous.
Brooklyn Dodger... I thought your assessment re: Kershaw was astute. I wasn't mocking you.. I was surprised when I heard he was returning so quick
You got it right with the exception that he is pitching at Coors...