Dodgers Do Just Enough To Win, 1-0

by Eric Stephen on Jul 1, 2009 4:18 PM PDT in Game Recaps Comment 16 comments

That is a beautiful sight, isn't it?

Today was a very tense game for such a beautiful afternoon. The Dodgers were able to push across a run, thanks to a pinch-hit RBI single in the eighth inning by Rafael Furcal, and that was enough to win the game and the series against the resurgent Rockies.

Clayton Kershaw was both brilliant and maddening, allowing only one hit in five innings, but also throwing 97 pitches while walking a career-high five batters. Kershaw (52 walks) and Chad Billingsley (51 walks) lead the major leagues in bases on balls this season.

Jason Hammel continued the trend of great Rockies' starting pitching, yet was the hard-luck loser despite giving up only one run in eight innings. Rockies' starters pitched 24 innings, giving up only three runs in the series, yet the Dodgers somehow found a way to win two of three.

Today's win was the Dodgers' 50th of the season. They have yet to play half of their games. Raise your hand if you expected this...OK, you can put it down now, Craig88USC.

We have finally reached the end of the Manny Ramirez suspension. The Dodgers went 29-21 during his absence, well above any reasonable expectation entering play on May 7. The Dodgers have tonight off, then Thursday off, and we begin anew on Friday in San Diego (True Blue LA will be there!). Manny's mere presence will solve all of our recent offensive problems, right? Right?

WP - Ramon Troncoso (2-0): 1 IP, 1 hit

LP - Jason Hammel (5-4): 8 IP, 5 hits, 1 run, 5 strikeouts

Sv - Jonathan Broxton (19): 1 IP, 2 strikeouts

Box Score

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It’ll at least force the opposing pitcher to pitch some more balls.

by Tripon on Jul 1, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

the harm from Manny’s suspension will last a bit longer than 50 games.

by Paul Scott on Jul 1, 2009 5:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

how so?

by Tripon on Jul 1, 2009 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because of JP

and Torre insisting on playing him more. Without the Ramirez susspension, there is no way Either and Kemp sit for 2 or 3 games each week.

by Paul Scott on Jul 1, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think its just lip service from Torre. He also said he would start Pierre once or twice each week to start the season (same as he said now), but instead Pierre started only 5 times in 29 games. And one of those was because of a last-minute scratch of Manny due to a hamstring problem (in Colorado).

As it stands now, Pierre might start twice a week, but I think that’s the upper limit of his playing time, unless someone is hurt of course.

by Eric Stephen on Jul 1, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It just might average out to twice a week or a little more because in the later part of September there are going to be a bunch of meaningless games where he can start every day, resting each one of our OFs. ;)

by David Young on Jul 2, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why? Because of Manny rust, or because Pierre will start more often than he might have otherwise?

by Eric Stephen on Jul 1, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The harm is mostly to Manny now

…not the Dodgers. This season could have taken a very bitter turn on May 7th, but it didn’t. The suspension didn’t “harm” the Dodgers, it made them stronger.

Manny lost a lot of money, a chance for a big payday in 2010, and the guaranteed HOF slot.

by DRatt on Jul 1, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At first when I read the game thread title “game 50 is finally here” I thought you were predicting a 50th win, but then I realized you were talking about Manny’s suspension. Well, we did get our 50th win and that was the 50th game. =)

by shoothoop on Jul 1, 2009 5:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice

I didn’t even think about that.

Or did I, and/or I’m trying to claim credit for being deeper than I actually am? :)

by Eric Stephen on Jul 1, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES!

Manny’s return will indeed spark the Dodger offense, not necessarily just because his presence, but because they are hitting below their average lately (which probably mostly means we were just unlucky in playing a string of games against better pitchers), and if that doesn’t convince you , let me just point out one more fact:

They will be playing THE PADRES!

Look for the swagger to come back.

by Dodger Dude on Jul 1, 2009 6:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gosh can't be be glad that the 50 games are over?

They were very good during the 50 game suspension, and notched their 50th win.

Be glad they didn’t drop a lot of games! Their pitching has kept their games close. Despite not having the old dynamic offense, they are still managing to win. This should be a good sign right?

Too much talk of Manny rust. Just let the guy play. All this worry will be gone when he goes 2 for 3 with a BB when he comes back.

by Kenchanayoh on Jul 1, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Kershaw (52 walks) and Chad Billingsley (51 walks) lead the major leagues in bases on balls this season."

Wow, I didn’t realize that.

Manny’s back!!! :-)

by Brendan Scolari on Jul 1, 2009 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Picked up a game on the Giants also

Apparently Pablo Sandoval made some sort of error on Colby Rasmus (dropped foul pop?) and, given a reprieve, Rasmus hit a lead-off, walk-off, HR to win the game 2-1.

Sweet.

by David Young on Jul 1, 2009 8:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah i watched that one (ESPN)

It was a tough play for Pablo but he should’ve caught the ball…but the Giants got a bad break too when Rasmus was struck out but the ump didn’t give them the call.

my heart broke when i saw that :)

by bucknellbruin on Jul 1, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs