It wasn't sexy, but the Dodgers ground out a tough win at Coors Field to take the series against the Rockies and stay in second place. Kershaw fanned nine, but threw 97 pitches over only five innings — which was good enough for the W. The Dodgers chipped away at the plate, scoring on an RBI-double and an RBI-sac fly by Loney, an RBI-single by Paul, and an RBI-groundout by DeWitt.
Loney, Paul and Kemp each contributed fine defensive plays, with Kemp's diving catch ending a bases-loaded threat in the fifth. The bullpen's usual suspects of Troncoso, Kuo, Belisario and Broxton once again held it and closed it out, with Broxton withstanding some poor defense to get the save.
The Dodgers return to home sweet home field tomorrow, with a special Memorial Day start at 6 p.m. against the Diamondbacks. Welcome home, boys!
UPDATE: Add Reed Johnson to the defensive heroes. Manny who? Dodgers' bench shines (Tony Jackson, ESPNLosAngeles.com)
118 comments:
I thought my last line about Ninja Turtles was pretty clever.
Agreed, MRF. Wonder if we can start referring to him as Broxto? Bullpen name = The Big O's?
why couldnt Pujols slump lasted till at least after our first series with the cards.
3 HR's today.
Props, Mr. F.
Damn, Frisco tied it up.
crappy dbacks cant beat the crappy giants. tie game.
angels just hit another walkoff HR.
a very tame celebration, no injuries.
Qualls is just fucking atrocious. Surely there's someone in Dbags' pen who could do better at "closing."
Man, did the Angels request Victor Rojas to act more like a small market announcer? He wasnt this bad on the MLBN
I hear you Nic. I really liked Rojas on MLBN but his homerism in calling Angels games is sheer pain.
Schlicting called back up, elbert sent back down.
Nats and Pods tied after 10
giants and snakes tied at 5 through nine innings
Gnats win. Nats still playing in extra innings.
The D backs suck. I guess its our turn to pummel them tomorrow.
Dammit, bottom 11 and two out and a ball deflects off the Nats pitcher and they make an error trying to throw to first.
Winning run in scoring position for SD.
Pods working on their own walkoff.
And there it is.
I'll be there tomorrow!
it seems like we always win on the wrong days. no ground gained.
Don't look now but I'm 6-1 on games attended this year.
at least we are wearing the memorial day hats at home, white hats would look funny with the grey road uni's0
sooner or later the pads have to start losing right?
I mean Garland isnt going to hold a 2 ERA all year, is he?
I'm happy with being 2 back, knowing we own the NL West. Let the Madres enjoy their fleeting success.
Hey, we do kick NL West ass! Take that, rest of the division!
Weird. If Schlichting gets into the game tomorrow, I will have been present for his first majors appearance of the season two years in a row.
OK, I was driving all day, no exaggeration. My daughter decided the Mission Santa Ines would be perfect for her 4th grade project, so the younger half of the family (me and Mrs. Law excluded) piled into the SUV for the 2.5 hr drive to the lovely Santa Inez Valley (see, the mission is spelled with an "s," but the valley with a "z;" go figure).
Anywhoo, the only way I'm going to listen to this game is on my blessed (I was at a Catholic mission) XM Radio. That's good.
I had to listen to the Rox's announcers. That's bad. . .really bad.
I got to hear X-Paul drive in the go-ahead. That's good.
I got to hear the Rockies' announcers tell me how fucking lucky Brox was to get a K on Helton.
That's bad.
I got to hear the Dodgers pull out the victory.
That's good. Very good.
Now, because of all that stress, I'm on the vodka, Comrades!
Can we get something other that the Twinkies for Sunday afternoon? I've got some more drinking to do.
12 days to the WC and England look horrible.
Gives me hope for the US, but I'm picking Spain to hoist the ugly Cup.
Don't know about Spain, they've still got a lot of nicks and dings. If they can stay on the field, they're tough to beat, though
Mr. C,
So many weapons, so few balls. Really, if Spain stays healthy, who can stop them? Argentina has no defence; Brazil has no defence; Portugal has. . .well, Ronaldo.
Spain v. Portugal: great final.
Yeah this Sunday Night Baseball game is just utter crap. Nonetheless, I'm following every pitch.
I'm rounding out the clear drinks with gin, RB. I meant to grill but I didn't - too lazy. Twice tomorrow, then.
The Helton K was lucky, but other times our pitchers were getting squeezed, so it evens out (e.g., Beli earlier in the game).
And why the hell am I watching NASCAR?
They keep going left. And I'm out of vodka.
Spain v Portugal: Spain vs Spain Lite.
DB, you brilliant bastard.
I have gin!
I'm troubled by this whole NASCAR thing, RB. Do we need to send help?
If the Bayern kids are healthy, look out for Deutchland. Schweinsteiger looked like der Krappe vs. Inter. France is interesting, but OLD.
Gin and Mountain Dew?
DB,
YES.
Gin and diet Mountain Dew.
Works
Hint for RB: Tonic
WC is wide open this year. We could be in for a real ride.
Is it 6PM tomorrow yet?
DB,
Yes, but that would mean me driving to a store, which is out of the question. Silver tequila could be next, as I have some margarita mix available in a pinch.
I need the WC right now. That or the next Doyer game.
Welcome back, Dre!
Wait! There was an accident in the NASCAR race.
No shit.
Where's my remote?
I like it when the guy kicks the ball into the net.
Sounds like you need to enlist Mrs Law (or, Mrs Time?) to make a Von's run.
PIT STOPS!!!!
The drama is thick, and so am I!
A crash? Now I'm vaguely interested in the Left Turn 500.
DB,
Funny you should say that. Mrs. Law just left on a run. If she comes back empty handed, I'm prepared to switch to beer. Precious beer.
MLASF,
Don't we all.
Speaking of beer...I'm empty. I have to walk all the way over to Mrs Dusty in Law's crib to get the backup beer out of her fridge. Good thing her place is only about 14 feet away.
Baby seal commercial on the NASCAR race. Reminds me of my favorite T-shirt, "Stop clubbing, baby seals."
Funny shit.
Meanwhile, the family shit-zhu is attacking a whiffle ball. I should intervene.
Within 15 feet of in-laws? If my father-in-law was still with us, I'd vote yes.
Just my MIL? Not so much.
All I know about soccer is that Donovan is our best player, Rooney is the shit in England, Beckham's not playing, and red cards are worse than yellow.
There's a driver in the Left Turn 500 named "Speed." Who'd a thunk it?
MLASF,
What's left to know?
Spain=Villa
Portugal=Ronaldo
France=Ribary
Brazil=Kaka (insert jokes here)
Germany=Ballack, but he's hurt.
Look out for the Asian teams. The Australians are the wild card.
Any questions; forward to Mr. C or DB, as I am a neophyte at best.
The NASCAR guy said "Bush," heh, heh; heh, heh.
GER has some major injuries (Ballack is out) so they may not fare as well as usual.
Attendance at NASCAR races is d.o.w.n. Really.
What else is there to do in Charlotte?
Naw, my sister-in-law, not parents-in-law. That would be very different, and not preferred. My sis in law, on the other hand, is a trusted partner in crime and watches every Dodger game religiously with us. Some of folks here have met her.
Plus, the extra beer fridge.
DB,
The team that no one is talking about, and could very well find themselves in the final is Italy. They pack about 9 men in the box on defence, so no one scores against them. I hate they way they play.
Someone named Busch won the Left Turn 500. I'm almost out of gin.
The dog has almost destroyed the whiffle ball.
and WTF with all the burn-outs for the winner? Someone could break a leg or something.
DB,
You are wise beyond your years. Someone else's fridge=save on power bills.
My brother-in-law is a lazy sot.
I'm stuck between watching a rerun of House or a hockey game on 4.4. Summer television sucks.
Meanwhile, the Twinkies and Rangers are still playing to no one's interest.
If Chile wins the Copa, then drinks for the house.
Let's go, Chil-e!
(clap, clap; clap, clap)
Kids in pool? check.
Drinks consumed? check.
Flag hoisted? check.
BBQ lit? working on it.
Holiday weekend has begun.
WC chatter picking up, I see!
All in all, it looks like a pretty balanced field. Who comes out of the group stages and in what order could mean quite a lot this time around. Alas, I think that Italy has a somewhat easier path than others. The Dutch might be dangerous, too.
@Neeebs
I like Chile's chances in the group stage, but I fear they will have to face Brasil in the round of 32. If they can manage to finish ahead of the Spanish, all bets are off.
beer Beer BEER!!!
"and WTF with all the burn-outs for the winner? Someone could break a leg or something."
I glossed over this at first but then went back to it. Nicely played!
i really like O dog but i dont miss him hurting outfielders going out too far for flyballs.
O Dog looks hurt.
damn, that looked like it hurt.
Ha! It took Pujols hitting 3 homers in one game to go ahead of Ethier (by just one). And he did it on the last day before Dre came back.
Rbn
you were very close to my tractor driving ass on the central coast. Drip system at my buddy's vineyard installed. I was able to take a break before the game and to catch the last inning at a place that use to be brothel.
Now full on the biggest new York steak I ever had. Time for whiskey and ocean air.
As if I weren't jealous enough re the vino, then you hit me with the steak thing, Paul. Dagger!
I just remedied the situation with In-N-Out. Beef accomplished.
@Paul,
I love me some Central Coast. Enjoy.
It was hot as hell at the Mission; do with that what you will.
C'mon, DB, I expect you to keep up with me, of all people.
Mr. C: The Dutch are the shadow threat of the WC. Van Persie has looked unstoppable in the friendlies; but then, they are friendlies.
Update: Tequila and Mt. Dew works.
Shit, at this point, alcoholic drinks work. I cooked, I cleaned, I drank.
Flipping channels...moping around...somehow landed on replay of today's game. I watched more than half an inning before I started getting mad at Kershaw for his wildness and then realized that I needed to settle down as the game is over and we already won.
wine Wine WINE!
Dusty
New York steak ranch style beans. Garlic bread. The whole fixins with an 07 Grenache Syrah blend for Villa Creek.
Heat needs to make a Ethier like offensive push to help out the vines after a cold may.
Cheers to memorial day and to all who protect us.
Round two on the whiskey cause I love this country.
Whiskey but forgot the cigars. Ah well.
@RB
Don't forget to take the kids out of the pool.
@Paul,
I really like syrahs. Up there with pinots and zins.
I've got the cigars. I've got some damn good ones that need to be smoked.May need some help rotating thru the humidor soon.
Rbn
hell yeah it was hot. I have my farmers tan in full effect.
DB
in and out beef will always do the trick in a pinch.
I am drinking a REALLY weak Trader Joe's special zinfandel. It's flimsier than two buck chuck. Don't ask me how I talked myself into this venture. It will end soon.
@DB,
Was that the Batsignal I just saw?
(Batman bumper music)
"Let's go, Robin!"
The SOSG meet up happens this season, dammit!
Dexter Fowler sent down. Wasn't he fairly established, and has now fallen/slumped?
Heh...yeah, the Batsignal straight outta Pasadena.
Fowler DFA'd? That's some harsh shite right there.
Dude was a weapon last year.
Rox visit the Gnats tomorrow. Let's hope they can pull off a sweep.
DB,
I will drag my ass to Pa-sah-de-nah to save good smokes.
Ah, holiday weekend, thank you for not being over.
For the record, my liver has sworn a blood oath againstnyou guys. On the other hand, my local booze retailer loves you, and you're alright by me, and that's 2 votes to 1.
Fortunately, still had the dregs of that bottle o Glenmorangie left, or I'd be left out cold sober.
Smokefest is indeed in order.
In other news:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/37427129/ns/sports-soccer/
Oh my god, why don't I start a soccer ball blog and report...
Not DFA'd, just optioned.
Also, I like it when the guy kicks the ball into the net.
I sort of want to go watch Ely pitch again. He's scheded for Tues.
Yeah fowler was the man for a bit.
Zins are always my sentimental favorite. Since they have strong roots here in Cali With Italian immigrants and the old vine zins here are damn complex and deep. We have 80 year old thompson vines on the ranch. I love the knarled look and the fact they are 20 plus feet deep in the ground.
Valdez Zins are my favorite right now more sonoma lighter style but they have a good one that rivals Lodi's high octane stuff.
Gotta take chances with the cheap wine. Sometimes you get a winner and feel like you discovered a hidden gem.
@Paul
Totally agree re zins. And they're perfect for BBQ/grilling we do so much of in the great weather. That's funny because I always like the imagery of the old vines just chugging away year after year. I didn't know their roots went down 20 feet -damn! Good metaphor.
My son loves his Jabuliani ball, and he's a goalie.
Screw Julio Cesar. Brazil goes down, I say.
Or maybe it's the tequila talkin.
@MLASF:
Ball in net is always cool. Ask Kobe.
I think I like zins even more. We were drinking 12.5 and 13% zins 2 weeks ago.
I believe they were central coast zins.
Fuck Napa.
Bored. None of that dreary Sunday night blues with off-day tomorrow. Just surfing stats until I feel tired. Did you know that Slappy McPopup is the second-best fielder in baseball according to UZR? Insane.
According to FIP, Kershaw is better than Johan Santana. Kershaw also has a lower ERA. Santana is still more ace-y though.
As far as relievers go in FIP, Broxton tops everyone. Good to see that.
MLASF,
Stats?
Dammit man, there's booze to be had.
Here's a stat: I'm thirsty.
MLASF- did you see Pierre's catch today? Amazing. He still had a sour look on his face, though.
@RB
Seriously, your lad has one of those Giuliani balls?
Interesting. There is always pre-WC whining about the ball. I think it may be manufactured by the company (Adidas) itself for PR purposes.
@Dusty - He's like Chuck Norris: always just one face.
Mr. C
I am on a laphroaig kick. Smokey as the bear but great scotch.
Laphroaig is the BOMB. Love that smoke and peat.
I do like the Laphroaig, I needed a candidate to fill the opening I just created in my cupboard, too.
I'm an Oban guy myself
Free Oban on Sax, or so I've heard. Maybe it was just a rumour.
Another good pick.
Such sophisticated palates at SOSG
Still when times need a simple remedy I can call on Jameson and Anchor to get me right.
Why don't i just create a drinking blog....you know the rest.
The don't call Sax Oban Wan Kenobi because he is a Jedi Knight.
The Ramones version of California Sun always makes me smile.
Macallan fan here.
Actually that's probably not an awful idea, Paul.
No work tomorrow means i get to stay up and watch the fourth round of the french open.
Rafa and Serena on the schedule.
YAY!!
We Are the Congress of Scotch drinkers. The representative from Glenlivet now has the floor.
I have some Suntory Yamazaki at home. Suntory and a 410 shotgun and left over pumpkins are the best fall harvest party ingredients.
Dusty you are right if I had a cocktail napkin I would be writing ideas down right now. However I only have this computer in front of me......
Holy spit, Nic, thanks for the heads up. I was thinking of winding down but now I have something to do.
Cocktail napkin...I think you just named your drinking blog, Paul.
Or you could just call it "Suntory and a .410"
Lol Dusty
This is starting to have legs. So is my glass for one more before I dream of blogging. iPod says the party is good and night air calls for something on the rocks.
Oh god, i was flipping through channels killing time before tennis starts and i landed on ESPN2 Softball playoffs. I was watching for a little while and realized it was Eric Collins who was calling the game.
The Dodgers deserve better than this.
Post a Comment