Dodgers' division problem
If the Dodgers beat Arizona in their series opener tonight at Dodger Stadium, they'll pull within one-half game of the division leaders. Then?
To me this is the most amazing thing about the Dodgers' season: Since climbing within one-half game on July 4, the've been one-half game back or tied for first place 14 times. That is, 14 times they've woken up thinking this is the day they take over sole possession of first place. They haven't taken over sole possession of first place yet.
The frustrating details follow, showing the each day the Dodgers began one-half game back or tied for first, and what the Dodgers and Diamondbacks did that day to keep the Dodgers from the division lead:
July 5: One-half game back, Dodgers lost, Arizona lost
July 6: One-half game back, Dodgers won, Arizona won
July 7: One-half game back, Dodgers won, Arizona idle
July 8: Tied for first, Dodgers lost, Arizona won
July 10: Tied for first, Dodgers lost, Arizona won
July 19: Tied for first, Dodgers lost to Arizona
July 21: Tied for first, Dodgers won, Arizona won
July 22: Tied for first, Dodgers lost, Arizona won
Aug. 9: One-half game back, Dodgers lost, Arizona lost
Aug. 10: One-half game back, Dodgers lost, Arizona won
Aug. 14: Tied for first, Dodgers won, Arizona won
Aug. 15: Tied for first, Dodgers won, Arizona won
Aug. 16: Tied for first, Dodgers lost, Arizona won
Aug. 19: Tied for first, Dodgers lost, Arizona won
I'll save you the trouble: The Dodgers are 5-9 in those games, the Diamondbacks are 11-2.
About this blog
Kevin Modesti watches sports from a new angle since his promotion from sports columnist to sports editor for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. In his new blog, Modesti not only comments on the big sports stories of the moment-- he talks about what makes them big. Think of it as a conversation with readers about how these stories should be covered.
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