via mentalfloss.com
Tonight, the Dodgers hit into two double plays and a triple play, but it didn't matter. Nothing seems to matter at home for the Dodgers these days, as they set a National League record by opening their season with eleven straight wins at home. Tonight's 7-2 win was a result of Eric Stults being just good enough through his 5.2 innings and an offense that, despite leaving nine men on base, provided more than enough support.
The highlights:
- Manny Ramirez and Andre Ethier both pulled home runs in the first inning to open the scoring, and the Dodgers never looked back
- In the second inning, the Dodgers turned a double play of their own, of the unique 2-5-4 variety.
- Matt Kemp had two hits, including a double, and he stole third base twice
- The Dodgers were thrown 183 pitches this evening, including 81 called balls. This is the third game this year the Dodgers have taken at least 80 called balls.
- Bullpeners Belisario, Mota, Wade, and Broxton allowed one hit over 3.2 spotless innings of relief.
- Jonathan Broxton has faced 47 batters this season, and 23 of them have struck out.
- The Dodgers are 16-3 this season when they score first
With one-sixth of the season now complete, the Dodgers stand at 19-8, 5½ games up on the 2nd-place Giants in the NL West. Here are the best 27-game starts in LA Dodger history:
Year | 1st 27 | Final W-L | Finish |
1977 | 22-5 | 98-64 | NL Pennant |
1983 | 20-7 | 91-71 | Won NL West |
1965 | 19-8 | 97-65 | WS Champs |
1981 | 19-8 | 63-47 | WS Champs |
2009 | 19-8 | ??? | ??? |
Tomorrow, Jeff Weaver makes his first major league start since September 28, 2007. His mound opponent will be Max Scherzer.