Sure, the Dodgers got shutout yesterday, dropping the opening game of the series, 3-0 to Houston. If you want a silver lining, how about this: the Dodgers have been shutout four other times this season, and each time they have won the very next game:
May 31: Dodgers 8, Cubs 2 (five runs in the first inning on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball)
June 5: Dodgers 4, Phillies 3 (the Ethier walkoff double game, a day before one of his walkoff HR games)
June 13: Dodgers 3, Rangers 1 (Bison 2-run HR after the light tower delay in Arlington)
July 1: Dodgers 1, Rockies 0 (Dodgers close out their 50 Manny-less games with another last-AB victory)
Does this "trend" mean anything? No, but I also don't think there's reason to panic or worry either, not about an offense averaging 6.2 runs per game since Manny Ramirez came back.
Want another silver lining? The Dodgers did manage to launch three home runs off tonight's starter, Roy Oswalt, when the two clubs played in Houston in April.
Chad Billingsley, in his sixth attempt at win number 10, starts for the Dodgers. If the third time is a charm, what is the sixth time called? Since getting his ninth win, Billingsley has a 5.23 ERA in five starts.
Tonight marks a matchup of two pitchers with a career ERA+ over 130. The matchup of Oswalt (career 137 ERA+) and Billingsley (131) is the second such matchup in a Dodger game this season. The last was during the home opener, Billingsley vs. Randy Johnson, a game the Dodgers won, 11-1.
Blake DeWitt's arrival from Albuquerque Thursday, corresponding with Cory Wade being placed on the disabled list yet again, marked his fifth different stint with the big club this season. He has accumulated all of 40 days of service time, including Thursday, for his efforts.
Get your guesses in for today's "Clogging The Bases" here.
Game Time: 7:10pm
TV: Prime Ticket