Back in 1995, I remember watching Tim Harris of the 49ers on NFL Films (at least I think it was Tim Harris; maybe it was Ken Norton, Jr.) laugh about beating an improved Rams team for the umpteenth time in a row, saying into the camera, "Same old sorry ass Rams." Well, that's how I feel about the Dodgers right now.
No matter how many new players are in the lineup, the offense still sucks. Ryan Theriot and his .320 on-base percentage made his Dodger debut tonight, batting second, naturally. He fit right in with the rest of the lineup, who scored no runs tonight, losing to the Giants 2-0 to complete a series sweep and crippling their already-thin playoff chances.
Clayton Kershaw pitched well, allowing only two runs in seven innings in his first start since last Sunday, after serving his five game suspension for hitting Aaron Rowand last month. The only runs Kershaw gave up tonight also had to do with Rowand. With two outs in the sixth inning of a scoreless tie, and Pat Burrell on second base, Kershaw fell behind Rowand 2-0. Joe Torre elected to intentionally walk Rowand, the man with a .296 on-base percentage, to face Edgar Renteria. The shortstop made them pay by crushing a ball to center field for a sun triple, one that easily scored both runners.
Notes
- Since the All-Star break, the Dodgers have scored 36 runs in 17 games, an average of 2.12 runs per game. They have scored two or less runs in 12 of those 17 games.
- Octavio Dotel made his Dodger debut as well tonight, pitching a scoreless eighth inning.
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Matt Cain got his first ever win against the Dodgers in his career, in his 15th start against them
- Reed Johnson began his rehab assignment with Inland Empire tonight, collecting a double in three at-bats as the designated hitter and leadoff man. The 66ers are off Monday, but Johnson will play one more game with them, on Tuesday.
- The Dodgers open a four game series with San Diego at home tomorrow night, with Hiroki Kuroda facing Clayton Richard. Hopefully Andre Ethier will be back.
WP - Matt Cain (9-8): 7 2/3 IP, 4 hits, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts
LP - Clayton Kershaw (10-6): 7 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs, 4 walks (3 intentional), 6 strikeouts
Sv - Brian Wilson (31): 1 IP, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts