Ely Looks For One Last Home Hurrah

John Ely has a chance to end his season on a high note tonight, making his 18th and final start, against the Diamondbacks. His first four starts at home were all Dodger wins and his performance warranted Ely Mania: five runs in 26 2/3 innings, no home runs allowed, with three walks and 23 strikeouts.

However, Ely's last six home starts have left something to be desired. Ely has allowed four, four, six, six, and six runs in his last five starts at Dodger Stadium, none of which were longer than five innings. In total, Ely's last five home starts have produced these numbers: 26 runs in 19 1/3 innings, with 14 walks, 11 strikeouts, and six home runs allowed.

This will be Ely's fourth start against Arizona this season. In his previous three starts against them, he is 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA, with eight walks and 18 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings.

The Dodgers will face 26-year old rookie Zach Kroenke, who will be making his first major league start. He has made just two relief appearances this month with the Diamondbacks, allowing a total of four runs and nine baserunners in 1 1/3 innings. My money is on that 21.60 career ERA going down tonight. The question is, by how much?

*****

If you haven't yet read Joe Posnanski's wonderful piece on Vin Scully for Sports Illustrated, do so now.

Game Time:  7:10 p.m.

TV:  Prime Ticket

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