Today was a sad day. No, not because it's Oprah's last show, but rather because J.R. "National League Jeff Mathis" Towles, a catcher who came into Wednesday's series finale in an 0-for-32 slump, collected three hits, the final knock a two-out RBI single in the ninth inning to give the Astros a 2-1 win over the Dodgers.

It was a sad day because Michael Bourn hit the first pitch of the game by Ted Lilly over the fence for his 12th career home run. Lilly did settle down after that, allowing just one run in six innings before being removed for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning.

It was a sad day because the Dodgers managed just one run against Rule 5 pitcher Aneury Rodriguez, who naturally had the best start of his young career facing the Dodgers.

It was a sad day because Rafael Furcal went 0-for-4 and his 1-for-18 since returning from the DL.

It was a sad day because the Dodgers lost a series to the team with the worst record in the National League.

But cheer up, maybe new Dodgers minor league pitcher Ian Snell can help the Dodgers deal with the sadness.

The Dodgers are off tomorrow before opening a homestand against Florida on Friday.

WP - Mark Melancon (4-1): 1 IP, 2 strikeouts

LP - Matt Guerrier (2-3): 2/3 IP, 2 hits, 1 run

Box Score