Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Post-Game 107 Thread: Matt Kemp Would Indeed Like Fries With That

Kemp is walking on air.

DODGERS 8, BRAVES 4

Matt Kemp is either not listening to the noise about trade talks. Or maybe he is? Either way, Kemp powered the Dodgers to a series-opening victory against the Braves, knocking a two-run HR in the second inning off of ex-Dodger Aaron Harang, and then another two-run HR in the seventh off of Anthony Varvaro, who took the loss. The latter broke open a back and forth game that was settled in a 4-4 tie; Carl Crawford (1-for-3 with 2 RBI and a run) started the scoring that inning by grounding to second, scoring Yasiel Puig, but then Kemp's HR to center scored Adrian Gonzalez and made the score 7-4.

The Dodgers tacked on another run in the eighth when Adrian Gonzalez (3-for-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs) doubled in Dee Gordon from second.

The other offensive power in the Dodgers lineup was Yasiel Puig, who went 4-for-5 with 2 runs, but massively failed in the seventh inning by striking out only a home run away from the cycle. Clearly, Puig needs more practice, certainly if he wants to improve his team-leading batting average from .317. Said Harang, "I made some bad pitches over the middle of the plate that he could hit." Uh, yeah.

Josh Beckett was once again not great, lasting only 4.1 IP and giving up 9 H and 4 ER, with 4 BB and 2 Ks. But Jamey Wright, Brandon League (who got the win), J.P. Howell, and Kenley Jansen combined for a scoreless 4.2 innings to preserve the win. Dodgers move to three games up on the Giants, who lost again.

UPDATE: And holy smokes, how could I forget this? The Dodgers just won four games in a row for the first time all year! In honor of this feat, a picture of an In-N-Out 4x4:

Kemp photo: Jae C. Hong / AP

13 comments:

QuadSevens said...

This was an awesome game to be at the park for. I'm now 2-0 this year! Gotta get out there again soon.

QuadSevens said...

Trade Rumor: Bought a Kershaw jersey shirt for Mrs. Quad yesterday and the kiosk had a 50% off sale sign for all Kemp and Ethier jersey shirts.

Fred's Brim said...

Q7 with the scoop!

Fred's Brim said...

@Dusty, from the GT 12:33: "that weird talking fox and living tree and other odd super heroes" Are you referring to Turner, Puig and HJR, respectively, in the Vinny announcement video?

Dusty Baker said...

We're not going to switch to a Five Guys burger reference for tonight's GT, are we? It's there for the taking, but would be bad form.

Dusty Baker said...

Uh-oh, Sax. Just saw that.

Fred's Brim said...

@Dusty and Sax: another 5 option. They're not out your way yet, but they should be. They even have their own MSBs!

BJ Killeen said...

This was a wonderful night at the ballpark...

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

Tremendous night at the ballpark. DBT is now 4-0 on the season. You're welcome!

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

4-1 if you count stateside opening night in SD.

Hideo Nomo said...

GODDAMMIT DUSTY HE'S AN ALIEN THAT LOOKS LIKE A RACCOON BUT GETS UPSET WHEN PEOPLE SAY HE'S A RACCOON! GET IT RIGHT!

Fred's Brim said...

Justin Turner doesn't deserve this abuse! You guys are so mean!

Steve Sax said...

@Dusty, can't believe you bogarted my GT!

(cries)