Billingsley, Broxton Provide Relief For Dodgers
by Eric Stephen on Apr 23, 2009 8:53 PM PDT
in Dodgers Game Recaps
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Print"Every time [Jonathan Broxton's] coming in, it's been pretty much just lights out, so I have all the confidence in the world in him finishing it."
-Chad Billingsley, September 9, 2005
The Dodgers needed a good game to break out of their problematic Houston series, and that's exactly what they got from ace Chad Billingsley and fireman Joanthan Broxton tonight.
Billingsley continued his coronation, with his fourth quality start and fourth win in as many starts this season. Billingsley allowed only three hits and two walks while striking out five. He has now allowed only six runs and 23 baserunners in 26.1 innings so far this season, while striking out 26. Billingsley retired 22 Astros, leaving the other five outs for his closer.
Jonathan Broxton entered the game with a man on first and the tying run, Hunter Pence, at the plate, with one out in the eighth inning. After getting two outs to end the eighth, Broxton struck out big boppers Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee after Miguel Tejada singled to open the ninth inning. After Geoff Blum was awarded first base on his Oscar-worthy performance on a ball in the dirt -- claiming that it hit him in the foot -- Broxton induced a game-ending groundout from Darin Erstad (Note: I refuse to make a snide remark about Erstad occupying a major league roster spot when I can look on the Dodger bench and see Juan Castro), closing out the 2-0 win.
The Dodgers opened the game with both Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson getting on base, as they amazingly did in the first inning of all three games in the series. A single by Manny Ramirez gave the Dodgers a lead they would never relinquish. A double by The Beard scored The Bison in the seventh inning, giving those of us with MLB Network the absolute treat of watching Matt Kemp run.
Tonight's game marked only the second time in their young careers that a winning Billingsley handed the ball (not literaly of course) to Broxton for the save, the first coming last July against the Nationals. Before that, the last time a game featured only Billingsley and Broxton on the mound was the opening game of the 2005 Southern League playoffs, a game in which they combined on a no-hitter.
About a week ago, Manny Ramirez was struggling at the plate, not doing much besides walking. Were you worried? I hope not, because Manny has 11 hits in his last 25 at bats, with four home runs, elevating his seasonal line to .345/.486/.618. Get ready to see more of Manny this Saturday at noon on This Week in Baseball, which will also have a feature on Tommy Lasorda.
The Dodgers travel to Coors Field tomorrow, with Eric Stults opposing Aaron Cook.
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Broxgne
For the first time ever I had confidence that Broxton was going to get the save after he got in that jam with runners on second and third.
Welcome aboard
The Broxton ride has been fun for 3 or so years now. Glad people are noticing what’s been there all along.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 23, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Brox Has Had Some Good Stuff
The confidence and consistency were the missing ingredient.
He didn’t have that Game Over Stuff until now. I think he arrived this year, just in time. And Bills too, wow. Some more key ingredients are in place. We are in a very good position.
by Dodger Dude on Apr 23, 2009 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I think your standards are too high
If you want Broxton to be one of the best closers ever, you will be disappointed.
If you want him to be one of the best relievers in the game (i.e. top 5 or 10), he has already been that from 2007 to present.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 23, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Just want him to = Gagne - the juice
that will be good enough for this lineup.
by Dodger Dude on Apr 23, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Will Eric host a Inland Empire event
When we go out to see either Withrow and/or Martin pitch this year?
Yes
I need to set it up. I’m thinking late May or early June. By then, Withrow may have moved on but E. Martin should be a 66er by then.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 23, 2009 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Welcome to the 951...
Sounds like fun. Make it June…mid to late June and your nephew can join us.
Broxton was only mildly shakey in the 9th, but he was throwing some serious gas (although the 100MPH may have been due to a kind gun). The punchout on Lee was damn nasty. Low and outside and a hair under 100. “Let’s see what the kid thinks about the old number one…”
by KellyStephen on Apr 23, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Since last July 19
Billingsley has made 19 starts, including the playoffs.
Against everyone but Philadelphia:
16 starts, 12-0, 103.2 IP, 90 hits, 32/96 BB/K, 2.52 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
Against the Phillies:
3 starts, 0-3, 11 IP, 19 hits, 12/12 BB/K, 10.64 ERA, 2.82 WHIP
Is it a requirement for all Stephens
To quote “Major League” at the drop of the hat. :) If so, can I join up.
Either "Major League"
or Caddyshack, with a smaller chance of Blazing Saddles.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 23, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Bottom of the 9th
That was playoff level excitement — the screaming, the pacing…it was all there tonight in this place.
Oh, and since W’s seem to arouse the general baseball writing public, at least Chad will finally get some recognition for his hot start.
Withrow & Martin
These two lads are pretty damned special. Especially Martin, someone who’s making mincemeat out of Midwest League hitters, even though he’s considered a “raw” pitcher.
From Tony Jackson:
I must say, though, that the Chadster is getting a bit sensitive when it comes to the postgame questions. I asked him what the difference has been this year, and he was quick with this answer:
``I pitched well last year, too.’’
Well, yes, you did. But you didn’t pitch like this
Good for Chad
I know it makes for good writing/broadcasting to claim that “the kids are finally getting it.” But its stupid. Ethier isn’t just getting it this year, neither is Chad. Both were competing at a high level last year. It would annoy me too to have Tony Jackson ask me stupid questios like that.
by Michael White on Apr 24, 2009 7:42 AM PDT up reply actions
The "Bills" nickname has more credibility now
From Jim Peltz of the LA Times:
“I wanted to give [Broxton] a little wiggle room . . . and we knew that Bills wasn’t going to pitch the ninth inning,” Torre said.
that's a better nickname then the one someone else on here gave him.
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
His Royal Thighness?
Bow down to his Royal Thighness.
by the big grabowski on Apr 24, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
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