Two hits by a patchwork Dodger lineup produced just one run, but Chad Billingsley made it count, pitching his best game of the season, as the Dodgers finished their undefeated road trip by beating the Padres 1-0. It sure is fun to beat an NL West opponent 1-0 on a Sunday getaway day, isn't it?
Since last July 5 in San Diego, Billingsley made 21 starts without ever getting an out in the seventh inning. He had pitched well of late, but still couldn't get the monkey off his back. Until today, that is. Billingsley pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing only four hits and a walk, striking out six. In his last five starts, Billingsley is 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA, 12 walks, and 25 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings.
The Dodgers got their only run in the sixth inning. Jamey Carroll walked, pulling within one walk of Matt Kemp for the club lead, and was sacrificed to second by Billingsley. Russell Martin followed with the first Dodger hit of the day of Wade LeBlanc, a single to center to drive home Carroll, and extend Martin's hitting streak to 11 games.
Jonathan Broxton pitched the ninth for his third save in as many games in the series. It is the second time Broxton has ever had three saves in three days. He accomplished the feat last July as well. Broxton retired all nine batters he faced this weekend in San Diego.
The Dodgers have won seven straight games overall, and are now 12-3 against the NL West this season. They have won all five series within the division this year.
The Dodgers return home for a seven-game homestand, beginning with Houston tomorrow night. Hopefully, we will have news on Andre Ethier by then.
WP - Chad Billingsley (4-2): 7 1/3 IP, 4 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts
LP - Wade LeBlanc (2-1): 7 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts
Sv - Broxton (7): 1 IP (1-2-3, again)