The unhittable Oliver Perez
The Dodgers got a runner to third with less than two outs in the first and third innings and didn't score either time, going 0 for 4 w/RISP. Since then, Oliver Perez has settled in and retired eight in a row while the Mets have built a three-run lead off an unusually shaky Brad Penny, and really, the deficit should be worse because Penny walked the first two batters in the fourth inning and managed to pitch out of the jam when No. 8 hitter Mike DiFelice inexplicably sacrificed with Perez on deck. Martin just walked, but Loney then ended the inning by grounding to third on the first pitch, and while it took another dazzling play by David Wright to rob Loney of a hit, the fact remains that Loney went after Perez's first pitch immediately after a walk. ... Debating whether to hit the Carnegie Deli when I get back into Manhattan after the game. It's calling my name, but it is going to be really late, and we have the day game (sort of) tomorrow that starts at 3:55 local time so ... oh, who am I kidding? Of course I'll be there. ... Mets 3, Dodgers 0, bottom 6
Tony Jackson is in his fourth season covering the Dodgers for the 
Comments
Dear Grady:
Loney: 286 BA vs. right handers, .382 vs. left
Martinez: 159 BA v. right handers, .239 vs. LH
Career: Loney 258 PA vs. RHP .280/.337/.500
82 PA vs. LHP .373/.415/.507
Please make a note of it for next time. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Baffled Fan
Posted by: Craig Phillips
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August 24, 2007 6:45 PM
Let's like the Yankees had the right idea with Scott Proctor.
Just a forgetable night.
On the other hand, I have no problem with Martinez pinch-hitting, and I actually hand it to Grady for being ballsy there. Ramon gets hits in those spots.
But whatever. Just a rough night. And Proctor might have to move back a notch in the pen.
Posted by: BaseballSavvy.com
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August 24, 2007 6:50 PM
For a very small silver lining, there's the thought that Billy Wagner has pitched three times in four days, giving up 4 runs and 7 hits, while making 64 pitches. So perhaps that excludes him from Saturday's game.
Posted by: BaseballSavvy.com
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August 24, 2007 7:18 PM
Loney was only hitting .400 with the bases loaded this year. It also sent the wrong message to a young player like Loney: we don't have confidence in you.
Posted by: bt1 | August 24, 2007 9:13 PM
You're probably right Savvy, no reason to hone in on that one moment, I just get frustrated with the times Loney gets replaced with the idea he can't hit lefties, I think he needs to see they're confident in him. Anyway, Penny usually stinks at Shea so no huge surprise. Be nice to be pleasantly surprised with good outings from Stults and Wells...
Posted by: Craig Phillips
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August 24, 2007 9:16 PM