Well, I guess Ubaldo Jimenez is not so difficult to hit. The Dodgers had a collective coming out party as every starting position player got on base at least twice
James McDonald got the start but unfortunately not the win as he only lasted 4.1 innings. McDonald seemed disappointed with his outing, saying, "It was nothing special. I wish I could've gone deeper into the game." He threw 95 pitches before Scott Elbert came in to relieve him. In the bottom of the fifth the Dodgers scored 7 runs, putting their lead at 11-1. It was smooth sailing from there.
Elbert had an RBI double to add to the scoring barrage and also got the win. He did give up the only two runs, solo home runs by Brad Hawpe and Chris Iannetta. Ramon Troncoso finshed off the game with two scoreless innings. This means that both Broxton and Kuo get at least three days off before their next appearance.
As for the hittting, Rafael Furcal, Andre Ethier, and Casey Blake each had a double and a single. Manny had two singles, Hudson had three hits, and Russell Martin got on base four times. But the player of the game was Matt Kemp, who went 3-5 with a double and two home runs, one of which was a grand slam. Kemp had 5 RBI's.
The Dodgers are now ranked first in on-base percentage with a .393 team mark. They are second in runs scored and walks, behind the Indians by one in each category.
Hiroki Kuroda threw Saturday and Sunday and Torre said he was encouraged by his progress. Cory Wade will begin his rehab on Monday.
It was a great day for the Dodgers as they extended their winning streak to 8 games and finished off a perfect 6-0 homestand. They are up at least five games on all of the serious NL West contenders. After the off-day Monday the Dodgers will take on the Houston Astros, with Clayton Kershaw squaring off against Russ Ortiz. They better not let that guy break up their winning streak.