Sometimes all you need to break a losing streak is a little opportunity, and tonight the Dodgers took advantage, beating the Pirates 6-2 at Dodger Stadium to snap their five-game losing streak. In the third inning, the Pirates extended the inning with two errors, and James Loney made them pay with a three run home run to break open a close game.
Chad Billingsley had another effective outing, giving up two runs in six solid innings of work. He did give up four doubles, but also sprinkled in a pair of double plays to limit the damage. The Dodgers have had their last eight starting pitchers not named Charlie Haeger pitch at least six innings (all pitched exactly six, except for the 6 1/3 by Clayton Kershaw last night).
Charlie Morton pitched better than his raw numbers indicated, but he is still quite prone to the home run ball, and took his fifth loss in as many starts. He allowed two more long balls tonight -- the other to Andre Ethier -- giving him seven dingers allowed in just 19 1/3 innings this season. Morton has started 21 different innings this season, and allowed a crooked number of runs in 10 of them.
Other Notes
- Batting leadoff, Xavier Paul scored a pair of runs, and had the first stolen base of his career
- Not only did Loney hit a home run -- his 13th career home run at Dodger Stadium -- but he also had three hits and a walk.
- Ronald Belisario had his best outing since returning to the club, retiring all five batters he faced
- For some reason, Jonathan Broxton was brought in to a 6-2 game with one out in the ninth inning and a man on first base. George Sherrill had just given up a single, but if he can't hold a 6-2 lead, there's no point in having him on the team. It was the second straight game for Broxton, which isn't a big deal, except it could create a situation tomorrow if the game is close, Broxton will either be unavailable or less effective pitching on his third straight day
- It was a bad night for Oklahoma, as not only did the Thunder get eliminated on Pau Gasol's tip-in, but Matt Kemp went 0 for four with three strikeouts
Carlos Monasterios gets start number one on True Blue LA Night tomorrow night
WP - Chad Billingsley (2-1): 6 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts
LP - Charlie Morton (0-5): 6 IP, 6 hits, 6 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, 8 strikeouts