Dodgers 8, Diamondbacks 7
As Matt Kemp rightfully pointed out after the game, every game is big the second half, no matter who it is the Dodgers are playing. But this game, and this series, are bigger than others. Nothing like a head-to-head matchup between the leaders to kick off the second half. Dodgers finally got untracked offensively, hitting a season-high four homers -- two by Nomar, his first two-homer game in six years; and one each by Kemp and James Loney, with Loney's coming off Doug Slaten in the 11th inning and deciding the game. All four homers were BLASTED. Garciaparra's first one broke a plate of food in the swimming pool. His second one landed 10 feet deep into the D-backs bullpen in left. Kemp's was a towering drive that finally came down 10 rows deep in left field. And Loney's was a line drive that landed 15 rows deep in right. ... Big night for Jonathan Broxton, who looked every bit the part of a big-league closer in blowing out three consecutive D-backs hitters in the 11th. He struggled in both of his appearances as the Dodgers' closer last year, when Saito had a minor injury. so this was a reassuring effort both for Broxton himself and for Joe Torre and Rick Honeycutt. ... Dodgers go to 47-49 and tie the Snakes for the lead, with the Giants and Rockies seven back. This is a two-team race, folks, and it's going to be fun to watch. Game 2 at 5:10 tomorrow.
I've always been skeptical about Broxton's ability to close. Not that I don't think he has the stuff... Obviously he's always had great stuff. I question his ability to throw strikes consistently. Tonite he looked good. Hopefully he continues. Invariably his problems come whn he's wild.
For those of you complaining that the Dodgers brought up Jason Johnson instead of Kershaw, I suggest that you wait a while. I could be totally wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Dodgers are delaying the call-up of Kershaw until after the Colorado series. He started yesterday, and wouldn't be ready to start again until Tuesday at Coors. I seriously doubt if the Dodgers want him pitching in that launching pad at this stage of his career. After that series they return to LA to play Washington. Maybe Kershaw will be brought up at that time to open the series on Friday.
They could also have him take Johnson's spot in the rotation. Johnson is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday in Colorado. If Kershaw starts for Jacksonville that same night, then he would be in line to open the series against the Giants in LA on Monday, 7/28. Something tells me we will see Kershaw before the month is out.
Nomar looks great and producing lets keep a good thought he stays healthy and this way we won't have to pay a Kings ransom for a part time solution. Now if we could fix better D @ 2nd and Production in center we would really leaving the rest of the West in the dust.