Dodgers 11, Giants 1
Randy Johnson had never lost in 11 career starts at Dodger Stadium -- until today. This guy isn't the same pitcher. I mean, obviously, he isn't the same pitcher at 45 that he was at 35. But he isn't even really the same TYPE of pitcher, and he is hardly intimidating anymore. And there seems to be an inability to minimize damage. The Dodgers scored all but one of their seven runs against him with two out. The Big Unit came into this one 7-0 with a 2.06 ERA at Chavez Ravine. ... Meanwhile, Chad Billingsley had a phenomenal outing, going seven strong innings and allowing a run on five hits. He struck out 11 while walking none -- a clear indication he isn't the same type of pitcher he used to be, either. He could be ready to take that next step now and become one of the premier starting pitchers in the league. ... Andre Ethier hit two HRs, his second career two-homer game, and rove in four runs. Russell Martin also had two hits, both singles. ... Dodgers go to 5-3. Off tomorrow, then Clayton Kershaw vs. Matt Cain on Tuesday night at 7:10. ... Also, I pulled Colletti aside after the game and told him of McCourt's comments as to his job status. Ned (wisely) declined to respond to them.
Wasn't there talk in the offseason that the Dodgers were considering signing the Big Unit? Now we know why they didn't. I know it's early yet, but the Randy Wolf signing is looking very good!
Tony,
I think this was Ethier's third multiple home run game. Last August, you reported about his second multiple HR game:
http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/2008/08/dodgers-7-brewe-1.html
Tony, Gammons just said Kuroda will be out a month. Did I miss something? Is this true, or is he off base?
Was Jason Schmidt at the ballpark today or don't the Dodgers acknowledge injured players by being introduced to the fans?
Schmidt is rehabbing at Camelback Ranch or some other place in Phoenix.
Great game by the blue yesterday. The only thing shocking this year so far is that the padres are in first!!! I am sure they will come back to earth just like the babybacks did last year after their hot start. Lets keep the good thing rolling on wednesday.
Tony, thanks for the updates.
What happened late in the 9th that caused the umpire to call over Joe Torre? They were both pointing at something in left field, then Torre spoke to some security guy in the dugout who radioed in what he was saying. Pretty sure it wasn't a beachball on the field, since they have procedures in place for that, and I doubt the ump would stop play for something like fans fighting or being obnoxious. I was watching on TV, and the game ended before we got any clarification.
tagryn:
Charlie Steiner clarified on the radio that the meeting was about a bright light from a TV post-game show that had come on early. Apparently it was bright enough to distract the players.