Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Game 77 Thread: June 26 @ Diamondbacks, 6.40p

Dodgers start Chad Billingsley, RHP (4-0, 3.26) vs. Edgar Gonzalez, RHP (3-2, 4.35).

Dodgers: 43-33 (2nd place NL West, 0.5 GB, W1)
Diamondbacks: 44-33 (1st place NL West, 0.5 GA, L1)

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

Dodgers: In his first start as Jason Schmidt's replacement, Billingsley looked a lot more like last year's rookie starter than this year's efficient reliever. He walked three and used up 70 pitches in only 3 2/3 innings. But he wasn't easy to hit, allowing only two runs on two hits and coming away with a no-decision. Because he had pitched no more than three innings in any outing this year, the Dodgers weren't expecting much more from him in this start, but he'll need to build up his endurance and limit his pitch counts.

Diamondbacks: Gonzalez will likely get another spot start in place of the injured Randy Johnson, who manager Bob Melvin ruled out for this start despite it being on the day he is eligible to return from the disabled list and his original target date. Melvin said Gonzalez will "probably" get the call depending on if the D-backs need him before then. Johnson's current return date is not set, but this could be Gonzalez's last start. He filled in capably June 16 against the Orioles, giving up one run on two hits in five innings to get the win despite pitching on two-days' rest. He also earned a victory filling in for Johnson on May 25 against the Astros, giving up a run on four hits in five innings.

UPDATE 3.11p: The lineup, from Diamond-Leung's P-E blog, has Garciaparra starting at third, and three youngsters in the lineup (no Kemp start tonight):

Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Martin, C
Kent, 2B
Gonzalez, LF
Garciaparra, 3B
Loney, 1B
Ethier, RF
Billingsley, P

21 comments:

Orel said...

Go Chadley!

Steve Sax said...

Yeah, we've got one more game before the Snakes' two big guns.

Speaking of big guns, how about that recent Brad Penny post?

Orel said...

I dunno, her arms look pretty thin to me.

Steve Sax said...

Let's play ball!

Furcal Ks on three pitches. Pierre pops out to left on three pitches. Martin works the count, gets an infield single, and advances to second on a WP. Kent at the plate...

Steve Sax said...

Kent works the count too and takes some mighty hacks, but ultimately flies to right. Here comes Bills.

Steve Sax said...

Bills gives up a HR to his first batter.

Orel said...

You are way ahead of GameCast.

Orel said...

Guess it's going to be one of those games.

Steve Sax said...

Then Bills gives up a triple to Drew, who scores. 2-0 AZ and only one out in the bottom 1st.

Steve Sax said...

Vinny is talking about the size of Bills' thighs.

I am uncomfortable.

Steve Sax said...

And now I'm driving past a KFC. Coincidence??!!

Steve Sax said...

LONEEEEEEY!!!

Orel said...

How are you driving and posting?

Orel said...

Chad is struggling.

Orel said...

LONEEEEEEY!!!

Orel said...

5-5 tie. Somehow Seanez got us through the 5th. Can Lurch get us through the 6th?

Orel said...

IBB Gonzo to get to Nomar. And he obliges by grounding out. It's official: Nomar has lost it.

Orel said...

James Loney rules the world. 3-for-4 so far tonight.

Damon said...

Loney a triple away from the cycle

Steve Sax said...

Nice time for abreu's first career HR...

Steve Sax said...

Happy day! Dodgers win in 10 and are back in first place!