Dodgers start Randy Wolf, LHP (2-1, 4.00) vs. Tony Armas, RHP (0-1, 13.50)
Dodgers: 11-5 (1st place NL West, 1.5 GA, W1)
Pirates: 6-8 (T-4th place NL Central, 2.5 GB, L2)
From Dodgers.com, the scouting report on the starters:
Dodgers: Wolf overcame the long pregame ceremonies on Jackie Robinson Day to strike out seven in six innings against the Padres. Wolf's curveball was especially effective. Although he allowed three runs, one on a Jose Cruz Jr. homer, he walked only one. He is 3-1 lifetime against the Pirates.Pirates: Pittsburgh can only hope that Armas' next outing after a 13-day layoff because of weather postponements doesn't resemble his first outing of the season. Pitching in a February-like chill on April 6 at Cincinnati, he never could command the strikezone. In four innings, he walked five and gave up eight hits and six runs on 89 pitches. Only 48 of those were strikes. Armas, the only veteran in the Pirates rotation, can't pitch like that and win in the big leagues.
COMMENTS
- The Dodgers return from "squeeze week", the only week of the season in which they are forced to play two separate two-game midweek series, with a very impressive 3-1 record against divisional opponents, no less (Dodgers are now 7-3 on the road; last year they were the only team to make the playoffs with a losing road record). Throw in the fact that we basically phoned it in on Wednesday's game vs. the Rockies (three substitutes started in a weak batting order), and the Dodgers aren't looking too bad. The good news is, all the veterans except Nomar Garciaparra and recently returned Rafael Furcal have taken a day of rest. Let's see how the team fares back in the friendly confines of Chavez Ravine (4-2 home record this year), with a rainy weekend series vs. Pittsburgh, a day of rest Monday, and then a three-game showdown with the hated Giants.
- Tonight is Jason Schmidt T-Shirt night. I hope these aren't shirts that, based on news they're probably not telling us from his MRI (Schmidt is currently on the 15-day disabled list), would otherwise end up on the clearance rack at T J Maxx.
UPDATE, 5.32p
Rain? What rain? Game's still on, according to Inside the Dodgers. The lineup:
Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Garciaparra, 1B
Kent, 2B
Gonzalez, LF
Martin, C
Ethier, RF
Betemit, 3B
Wolf, P
48 comments:
I'm really disappointed that the Dodgers didn't squeeze once during squeeze week.
Oh, I'm sure there was somebody on the team that squeezed one out.
heh heh, heh heh heh
This A-Rod fellow, he is not bad.
"It's time for Dodger baseball!"
Vin: The Dodgers have been rained out 17 times since coming to Los Angeles.
Guess Wolf won't be getting that outside call tonight.
If a pitcher licks his hand without permission, it's an automatic ball. I didn't know that.
Wolf in trobble.
Wolf struggling a little. Would be nice if he could get out of this inning with just one run.
Nice-K!
Vin is getting good at correcting his mistakes: "...and he just proceeds to strike out Rafael, who fouls it away so he's still alive 1 and 2..."
Rabbits r loose!
"They statisticalize everybody in this day and age." —Vin
JP flashes that signature quickness!
NOMAR
Betemit continues to bat like an infant.
That throw bounced in the dirt and still almost beat Pierre. Where is the signature quickness?
Okay, there it is.
This is like BP. Singles and walks, but no power.
Ouch! Russ is a stud.
Rock on, Randy Wolf. BP in full effect.
And does it qualify as ironic that our pitcher is the only one who's hit for extra bases?
Hello? Is this thing on? (tap tap)
Where you from, sir? Rancho Cucumango?
Hey, Jeff Kent is smiling! Maybe he's thinking about motorcycles.
KENT NO PORNSTACHE?
Nice sliding catch by Ethier!
JPSQ!
Nancy Bea!
They're giving him a dig? Are you having a laugh?
ANDRE
...with the Shawn Green-esque meaningless solo homer.
Randy Wolf, two doubles. What is going on.
Vinny is out of sync!
Wow, Wolf has really recovered from the first inning.
We should have Wolf play 3rd on his off days
10-1! All on singles!
Seriously. But at least Betemit made some contact tonight.
Martin picked a good night to go cold.
I never get tired of Vin saying, "Deuces are wild."
Why does Chad get mop-up duty? Shouldn't it be like Seanez or somebody else?
Think Brady Clark wants to start?
Olmedo with the Sno-Cone!
There's Rudy!
Martin is getting very good at protecting that area in front of the plate.
This ought to do it! Good night!
Hey Orel! Have a good time at the game tonight? Glad you brought your blackberry!
Sorry I missed it...sounds like quite a time.
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