Russell Martin provided the highlight of the night, launching a grand slam over the wall in left field to break a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning, powering the Dodgers to a 7-2 win over the Cubs in the first game of a four game series at Dodger Stadium.
Martin, entering the game hitting just .246/.295/.316 in August, hit a fastball from Angel Guzman out for the second grand slam of his career. The first one was a walk-off in extra innings against Shawn Chacon of the Pirates on April 21, 2007. Martin's slam came directly after Lou Piniella opted to intentionally walk James Loney with first base open to get to Martin, and to setup the possible double play.
Jeff Weaver started for the Dodgers, and lasted into the sixth inning, and his 5.1 innings represent his longest outing of the season. He allowed only two runs, but because he left in the middle of an inning with the score tied, he did not qualify for the win. That honor went to Ronald Belisario, who got two outs, starting the 3.2 scoreless innings of work by the bullpen tonight.
Manny Ramirez had three hits, including a double, and scored two runs for the Dodgers.
Kosuke Fukudome was the man for the Cubs, with three hits, including a home run, and a walk.
Tomorrow night's game will feature a battle of Randy Ws: Wolf versus Wells.
WP - Ronald Belisario (2-3): 0.2 IP, 1 walk
LP - Angel Guzman (2-3): 1 IP, 3 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout