Game 44 Thread: May 20 @ Angels, 12.35p

Dodgers start Derek Lowe, RHP (4-4, 3.90) vs. Kelvim Escobar, RHP (4-2, 3.35).

Dodgers: 25-18 (1st place NL West, 2.0 GA, L2)
Angels: 26-18 (1st place AL West, 3.0 GA, W4)

From Dodgers.com, the scouting report on the starters:

Dodgers: Despite a rough third inning in which he allowed four runs on four hits, Lowe was effective against the Cardinals on Tuesday, picking up his fourth win of the season. Lowe gave up four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Lowe was hit hard in his only start against the Brewers this season, giving up six runs on eight hits in four innings on Opening Day at Miller Park.

Angels: After three consecutive superb outings, Escobar crashed and burned in Seattle on Tuesday night. In his briefest start of the season, he lasted only 2 1/3 innings, surrendering eight runs (six earned) on eight hits, walking one and striking out one. His excellent command deserted him at Safeco Field, the Mariners working counts and slashing away in hitters' counts. Escobar is 1-1 with a career 4.05 ERA in two outings against the Dodgers, but he shut them out across seven innings in beating them last year in Interleague Play.

COMMENTS:

• Sigh. After a 5-for-6 homestand, the wear and tear of traveling down the 5 must have gotten to the Dodgers. They've done their part to reinforce the AL's recent dominance over the NL by dropping two laughers to the Angels. Derek Lowe will try to get the Angels to ground out as the Dodgers try to avoid the sweep.