The Dodgers lost to the White Sox today, 6-5 in 13 innings, on a day that the world lost one of its most unique individuals in Michael Jackson. Both the life and death of Jackson can be summed up in three words: "far too young."
In honor of The King of Pop, here is a recap of today's Dodger game, through the eyes of Michael Jackson song titles:
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Both Chad Billingsley and Clayton Richard cruised through the first three innings, neither pitcher allowing a hit.
Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
The Dodgers jumped out to a 4-0 lead after four and a half innings, but also left two runners on base in each of those innings.
Human Nature
Joe Torre saved Jonathan Broxton to protect a lead that never came. After ten innings, the game was tied, and Ronald Belisario, Brent Leach, and Ramon Troncoso had already been used. Rather than go to his ace reliever, Torre opted for Jeff Weaver instead. Weaver pitched pretty well given the situation, but ended up taking the loss in his third inning of work.
Remember The Time
The last time the Dodgers lost a series, before today, was May 22-24 at home to the Angels. The Dodgers were 5-0-3 in their last eight series.
Smooth Criminal
Casey Blake stole two bases today, his first two bags of the season. The only other time Blake stole two bases in a game was nearly five years ago in Detroit.
We're Almost There
The Dodgers have merely six more home games -- three against Seattle, and three against Colorado -- before their lineup gets an infusion of Vitamin Manny.
You Are Not Alone
Mark Loretta followed his double in the fourth inning with another two-bagger in the sixth. It was Loretta's second-straight two-hit game, after starting June in a three for 29 slump.
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
22-year old Aaron Poreda, pitching in just his fourth MLB game, pitched a perfect 13th inning, including two strikeouts, to notch his first big league win.
Off The Wall
In the fourth inning, Matt Kemp lofted a drive to deep right, and it may have been a home run (depending on your view of the trajectory of the ball) if not for Jermaine Dye's finely timed jump against the wall.
Dangerous
Chad Billingsley gave up two home runs today, one to Paul Konerko and one to A.J. Pierzynski. After giving up only 35 homers as a team in their first 58 games, the Dodgers have given up 22 dingers in their last 15 games.
Just A Little Bit of You
After sitting on the bench for his first 11 games of the season, reserve reserve catcher A.J. Ellis finally played a game in 2009. Ellis came in to catch in the bottom of the 10th inning, then flew out to center field to end the 13th.
The Girl Is Mine
Scott Podsednik, who had the game-winning single in the 13th inning, has a lovely wife.
Got To Be There
Matt Kemp narrowly missed a spectacular diving catch on Scott Podsednik's 13th-inning single. If Kemp would have caught the ball, the inning would have ended. Instead, the game ended. Great effort though by Kemp.
Leave Me Alone
Manny Ramirez left the rain-delayed game in Albuquerque without playing, reported Dylan Hernandez.
Get It
Aaron Miller, the Dodgers' top draft pick, and #36 overall, has signed with the club for a reported $889,200 bonus. (Thanks to Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts for the tip)
I Wanna Be Where You Are
The Dodgers return home Friday night to start a six-game homestand. Friday's game features Clayton Kershaw pitching against Jason Vargas of the Mariners.