Eric Stults (2-0, 3.52) vs. Tim Lincecum (1-1, 2.96).
COMMENTS: If the first two games of this series are any indication, then expect an asteroid or a jetliner to crash into AT&T Park tonight. After all, if the Dodgers and Giants haven't exactly been playing disastrous baseball, they've certainly been playing games filled misadventure and mayhem.
Such is life in the NL West, where expectations are low and no one seems to mind. (The Red Sox's win streak just ended! OMG!) Giants fans will treat tonight's rubber match like Game 7 of the World Series, to which we say: Bring it on.
Which they will happily do, since the Dodgers have never beaten Lincecum—who has recovered from a rough start to strike out 25 over his last two games. Hmmm, maybe I shouldn't have been so cocky in the previous paragraph.
Stults is in the unenviable position of facing the reigning Cy Young winner while following the act of his own team's ace. But the under-appreciated Stults knows unenviable; workmanlike performances are becoming his specialty. If he can once again keep the Dodgers in the game, he'll be under-appreciated just a little less.
253 comments:
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AZ spanks the Cubs, 10-0
Pierre starts and bats 9th!!!
Furcal 6
Hudson 4
Ramirez 7
Ethier 9
Loney 3
Martin 2
Blake 5
Stults 1
Pierre 8
I kinda like it.
Pitcher in the 8 hole. I like it.
It kinda works because you typically have a weak 8 and 9 spot.
In our case, our 8th hitter (Blake) leads the team in HRs (tied with AE) so there is very little drop off moving our 8th hitter to the 7th position.
And Stultz can handle a bat.
Hey Neeebs, our weakest hitter is still in the ninth spot.
Why is Matt Kemp (.316 BA, OPS .977) sitting?
Kemp is 0-for-4 career vs. Lincecum, with 2Ks.
Juan Pierre is 2-for-6 vs. Lincecum, with 1K.
Small sample size lovers, unite!
Accuscore gives us a 30% chance of winning tonight.
And that's BEFORE they knew Pierre was starting.
Last night I was falling asleep when we got to the seventh inning. I turned off the TV because the remote doesn't work so I had to get up to do it, and I didn't want to do that once I was actually asleep. So I missed the end of the game, and I woke up this morning thinking that the Dodgers had lost.
What I'm saying is, please let the Dodgers kill Lincecum and put this away early tonight so that if I fall asleep before the end, I'll wake up thinking we won, and hopefully be right about it.
Thank god Russ is out of the 4 hole. What a disaster..
Alternatively, I have a pair of AA batteries that I can smuggle you, erin...
If that isn't a reasonable request, I don't know what is.
Pierre + Furcal + Hudson + Lincecum's ridiculous delivery =
15 SB's.
If only it were as simple as the batteries. No, in this apartment, the remote only controls the DirecTV box, which means volume and power cannot be remotely controlled. It is a pain, but I move into a hotel on Friday, so it's only a temporary pain.
Can't one just reprogram your remote for the tv?
I suppose if you're moving out soon, f' it.
This remote looks like it was built before television even existed, so that process of making it work with the TV is useless, unfortunately. I only have to deal with it tonight and tomorrow, though, and then I'll be watching all the games on my computer anyway.
Erin, i'm watching right now the Red Sox-Indians game, it's been a great game so far.
Before the game actually starts, we all should remember there's always a first time for everything.
Torre's logic in putting Russ in the 4 hole against a hard throwing lefty was actually decently founded, though Kemp should have been the one in there. Russ was actually rather successful in the 4 hole last year with the following line: .333 .385 .514 .899
Anyway, I am not averse to Slappy starting today given that Lincecum is pitching and Kemp has had problems handling him. Pulling a LaRussa is also a good idea with a guy like Pierre in there because you figure he will be on base at least once in 4 ABs and his speed becomes a big factor in front of Manny. This is even more true considering that Stults can handle the bat.
Wow, five pitches gets Lincecum out of the first inning.
Good luck, Stults!
lincecum threw more practice pitches than realy pitches in that inning.
first inning, no runs, and a chant already?
wow, that was a bad pitch. might as well of just thrown it over the wall for him.
I would like to remind everyone that my tickets for Saturday night's game are for sale on eBay. They are fairly priced. If anyone is interested, the link is up on my page. And that's the last I'll mention it.
Christ, Pierre looked ridiculous going for that ball. Tough play for anyone, I guess, but does Kemp catch it?
I thought Stults could get out of it. Guess not.
kemp would of caught that, maybe.
Ugh, gonna be a long one tonight.
I just turn on my TV and I see San Fran up by 2? What happened to Stults? How does Molina get a triple?
a slow sinker that didnt sink.
Notice JP's in CF. That's part of the reason.
Let the second-guessing of JP in CF commence!
This is Torre's strategy: Have Stults throw so many pitches in the first that Lincecum starts to tighten up on the bench.
Slappy's noodle arm already costs the team 2 runs.
Our long national nightmare of a first inning is over!
Those two runs should be all Lincecum needs. Maybe we can try to make him throw more pitches so at least we can get into the bullpen.
Hope the middle relief is ready.
Oh man, it is torture to watch these games on the Extra Innings package and see In-N-Out commercials.
pfff suck on that lincecum, you only pitched five pitches in the first inning. Stults got all the way up to 27!
I lost count, but I think Stults had 78 more pitches that inning than Lincecum.
2-0 Giants.
Cameras off, everyone! Ethier's batting!
Erin, ever try Apple Pan?
Television stations should really respect Ethier's wishes and treat his at-bats as though there is someone running on the field: cut away and wait for it to be over.
I think it's that digital copy pitching for the Giants, not the realy Timmy
Wasn't Kershaw drafted before Lincecum?
Apple Pan is delicious. I'd also go for a Houston's burger right now, too. There are any number of things I'm dying to get back to in L.A. You would think I've been gone for six months instead of six weeks.
pfff lincecum is already losing it, hes already at double the pitches he had last inning.
I bet Delwyn Young could be a way more efficient replacement. Why they didn't trade Pierre or dump him like they did with Andruw Jones?
nobody wants pierre, they tried getting rid of him.
Lincecum has now thrown negative ten pitches.
If the Dodgers eek out a hit it will be a miracle.
Lincecum no hitter tonight?
im sure manny will get a hit.
Fred's Brim: you just jinxed Lincecum. Well done!
throw strikes
Burriss gets the leadoff walk.
Lincecum's hair is so bad. No one with that hair deserves a no-hitter.
he cant even throw a strike to first
Stults is shakier than a bobblehead on a mechanical bull.
His body language is pretty bad, too. I don't like his chances to last much longer.
Lincecum has the Randy Johnson hair that Randy Johnson doesn't even have anymore.
and he can't even grow a proper beard. So, no hitter for him.
Raffy playing close to second helped on that one
alright now its over.
Trashball!
this is painful
show a little toughness, please
I would conform if this game at least is close.
Nice short-hop pick by Blake.
so....
how is kuroda?
Let's remember Lincecum was the one who moved the runner to scoring position.
Christine just walked in the door from work and said, "Who's the Wiccan that's pitching?"
Guess she doesn't like the hair either.
last season against the D-Backs the dodgers put Dan Haren on base, and he was tripled home. After that, Haren was so exhausted he couldn't pitch. That's what needs to happen to Timmy
Tim Lincecum?
Blake's fighting
come on slappy!!
Lincecum looks so much older than he did last season, or even than he did in that video game commercial.
Juan's only chance is to try to bunt every time
C'mon Slappy! You can do it!
If it were any other team, I would feel honored to have the Dodgers no-hit. But with the hated ones, it just sticks in my craw.
lincecum after 3 IP - 29 pitches.
Stults after 1 IP - 27 pitches.
that was easy.
Nice gag, FB!
Erin, at least the Red Sox won a great game, it was like a Hitchcock movie.
Stults is pitching like he's got a girlfriend at the University of New Mexico
Ugh. He was OUT.
There goes the DP
Karina, you're right about that. It was a crazy game. I'm glad it ended up in Boston's favor.
"I'll always remember the last words of my grandfather, who said, 'A truck!' " —Emo Philips
Get ready to see Tron pitch a long outing.
Sorry I'm late coming back here.
But I too like the Apple Pan.
I also like Carney's burgers.
It is so over.
Did you notice both teams got into trouble after two outs?it was very entertaining...
meh just leave stults in, id rather not run through the BP just to get an L
They really needed Monday's game.
This is brutal.
.Trancoso warming up.
jeez Eric, show some pride. These bums aren't as good as you are making them look
Please, someone tell if there are already people warming up in the bullpen.
4-0 already. Yikes.
You mean Carney - the train restaurant - Carney?
It's not over, but we need good at-bats and get Lincecum's pitch count up.
Thanks, Penos Campbell
And a few hits would be nice, too.
Can the Dodgers get a hit?
I agree with Nic j. Leave Stults in and see if the second time through the order, we do any better.
We still have 11 more games before our next off-day.
Urkel, Carl and Tom Poston just got trapped in a bomb shelter. how will they ever get out?!?
who is gonna get a hit first, the dodgers? or lincecum?
Is it over now?
Mr LA, one and the same. The Carney train restaurant up on Sunset rocks. And their chili is superior to Pink's, IMHO.
After MUCH, much trial and error. (Ask Orel.)
Here comes Tron
Escuse me while I go throw up.
I'm not watching, but it sounds like quite a few of these hits are bad luck rinky-dink shots. Poor Stults, poorer Dodgers.
Stults just let a .161 hitter get a RBI.
Time to get on the horn, Neddie, and get us another arm or two or twenty
Torre believes in a comeback, or he has some misguided idea about protecting Stults's pride.
should of left him in.
I had Pinks once, and i can't remember, so I guess it wasn't that good. Carney's is worth while just for the train experience alone. The chiliburger was fantastic.
At least Tron is in line for a win when the Dodgers do a miraculous comeback, rather than a wimpy save.
i think stults pride was blooped over the second basemans head a few pitches back.
Mr LA SF (wow, that doesn't abbreviate well), let's do a Carney's night after an upcoming home game.
How about Monday the 4th?
Who else is in, for post-game chili at Carneys on the 4th?
that is tire him out at the plate.
And hopefully we can get a cardiologist to join us!
Lincecum has a nice swing
Stop you guys you're making me hungry
Wow, Ramon Troncoso's out pitch is Premium.
Coincidentally, that's exactly what pitch Lincecum loves to face. And, hates to face.
What are the chances?
LINCECUM NO HITTER
LINCECUM NO HITTER
LINCECUM NO HITTER
LINCECUM NO HITTER
LINCECUM NO HITTER
You heard it here first!
(I am trying very hard to say this very loud.)
greedy mlb
Come on, nims. Join our chow line.
Is it just me, or has Lincecum changed his conditioner?
His wavy hair looks even extra shiny tonight.
Let's go right now, not like I'll miss anything.
Troncoso struck out Lincecum, it gives me some comfort.
did anyone happen to see lincecum on the cover of 2K9? Hope that doesnt jinx him.
HA! it worked!
Nice
Thank you O Dog
Whew, the O-Dog saves us from bowing to the feet of Giant pitching.
sorry stupid giants, no no-hitter tonight.
Suck on that win.
And there goes the no-hitter.
I'm going to eat dinner now. I'll be back.
No more Pablo
That's a relief. Did he get injured?
Guess he'll just be settling for a complete game one-hitter.
Thank Ch-i we broke up the no-hitter.
with the no-no gone, i am heading to bed. i'd rather feel like a jerk for missing this comeback than suffer through the rest of Lincecum's 2-hitter
Ole, manny.
i like Manny's blue glove. A Ramon Martinez special!
Stay, Fred's Brim, game is at a very quick pace.
Seriously, we all could only show a little more optimism. "It ain't over 'till it's over"
heard Pablo has some kind of groin injury
Very true, Karina. Let's not forget how many comeback wins the Dodgers have already had this season.
By the way, I forget. Anybody know how many there have been?
can Tron start games?
i would like to be a little more optimistic, but Lincecum didnt win the Cy Young last year for nothing. Odds are that its over.
PS were LA fans arent we supposed to leave early?
haha you've convinced me!
tron was actually in the running to be a starter, but pitched himself out of contention early on.
No perfect game/no-hitter for Lincecum. He must be really embarrassed.
The Dodgers can't even work a 3-0 count for a walk
All right. The rally begins.
A walk! IN YO FACE
Whoops, scratch that, Loney walked and I double-clicked.
nope, must of been dust.
Why is it that when the Dodgers give up leadoff walks, they always seem to score. But when the Dodgers get a leadoff walk, it's always stranded.
Well, Russell certainly looked overmatched there. That ball was never in the strike zone.
jeez Russ had no chance there
This is bad. Someone bean Lincecum.
Were those swinging strikes or looking?
tron one inning?
Now the advantages of the pitcher batting eighth come in. At least JP's gonna lead-off next inning.
let loney pitch!
ah jeez, I can't do nothing
everyone has an off day mrlasf
Juan should do pushups every time he pops up, Willie Mays Hayes-style
JUAN PIERRE FOR PRESIDENT
at least kuo can get some work in.
excellent, another wild lefty
Slappy has played 5 innings and has taken two at-bats. Can we have Kemp n the field?
i hope this doesnt mean they will be calling eric milton up.
Like the Major League reference, you don't hear people talk about WMH, usually just Vaughn
at least kuo looked good.
Kuo's got good stuff. He finally gets that no-pressure situation everyone wanted for him.
the whole lineup should say "F you, Jobu" after this game
did raffy just draw a walk? wow
why not bunt and move him over, 1 run looks better than none.
yay!
alright lets try not to look foolish again dre
Wow, two baserunners in one inning, Lincecum's losing his touch.
do they have a mic in the crowd behind home plate? i can hear everything the crowd says
They usually have boom mikes on the screen. They can pick up a lot of conversations. I was watching a FOX game and I could hear a guy ask his wife what they would be doing for dinner.
james is hearby downgraded to prince.
what else is on?
I guess you can't say Torre's exhausting the bullpen. They're only 10 pitches an inning.
Tony Jackson made it sound like Elbert is about to get sent back down anyways.
that great home opener had to come back around sooner or later.
we got a guy to third last time, maybe we can go all the way this time.
Cool fact about the "Home Run cycle." Anybody else hear that?
We look like a bunch of little girls tonight.
Oh, this is disappointing.
Why didn't Torre let Kuo go long?
At least the game is going quickly, that's a plus.
i think the fact that the giants have 6 runs hurts the most, the goose egg for us wasnt totally unexpected.
7 ouch
Yeah, I expected more fiber out of Stults tonight. Alas.
So how do the Dodgers look tomorrow?
thats three HR's for elbert in about 5 IP
I was going to comment that they've got two sub-Mendoza bats in their lineup, but then I noticed Martin is only at .216 and Furcal is at .235. Yeeks.
on the bright side we have our home winning streak to defend tomorrow night.
We're batting .125 tonight so far (3-for-24)
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