Because I know somebody is going to ask, Joe Torre was saving Jonathan Broxton for a save situation if the Dodgers took the lead — something they should have done in the 10th, when they got runners to first and third with one out. Russell Martin struck out, and after the inevitable intentional walk to ManRam, James Loney flied to left. That’s an inning the Dodgers will remember for a long time and an at-bat Martin will remember for a long time — he struck out on a 2-2 pitch in the dirt from Ryan Franklin.

This is what Martin said:
“I was just trying to get a ball in the air, trying to drive it to the outfield. I really wish I could have that at-bat back, but there is nothing you can really do. I got a few pitches to do something with, but I wasn’t successful.”

This is what Torre said:
“I think Russell got a little aggressive there. If you think having Manny behind you means you’re going to get a pitch to hit, maybe you’re not as selective. Not every pitch is going to be right down the middle. But again, he was aggressive, and I don’t want to take that away from him.”

Manny is now batting .625 (10 for 16) as a Dodger. Martin is now 4 for 17 with five strikeouts in five games hitting in front of Manny. In two games hitting behind Manny, Jeff Kent is 1 for 8 with 2 strikeouts and no RBI. James Loney, who also has hit directly behind Manny in two games, is 3 for 9 in those games. But he also has just one RBI. Tonight, he GIDP’s immediately after each of Manny’s two hits.

Dodgers fall to 56-56 and 2 1/2 behind the Snakes.