Devaris-Range hog tied by late Red rally

Clayton Kershaw and Devaris - Strange Gordon did all they could do to deliver the Dodgers a victory but it was not enough as the Dodgers once again watch the bullpen give away another game  3 - 2.

With Devaris - Strange Gordon behind him, Clayton Kershaw pitched seven solid four hit innings, leaving the Dodgers tied at 1.  Problem is, that when Clayton departs the bullpen comes in, and contrary to Don Mattingly's point of view, they are not very good. Blake Hawksworth wasted no time in putting runners on 1st / 3rd with the only out being a sacrifice bunt. With Joey Votto due up Donny elected to bring in Scott Elbert who had been masterful in Cincinnati in shutting down Votto and Bruce.

That was then, this was now, and Votto proved once again why he's one of the best young hitters in the game, dropping a single into right center field to bring in the go a head run. Kudo's to Elbert for continuing to bear down and striking out Jay Bruce. With the score now 2 - 1, two on, two out, Donny brought in McDougal to get the final out giving the offense two chances against the Red bullpen. 

Problem was McDougal got to pitch the top of the 9th and proceeded to allow an insurance run to score putting the Dodgers down by  two.  Since they aren't in the Rockies anymore that was one run to many as the late rally fell one run short. The ninth started with Andre making his last out of yet another forgettable performance, going 0 - 5 while looking bad doing it. Matt Kemp down 1 - 2 in the count worked a walk, stole 2nd, and scored on an opposite field single by Jimmy Loney putting the game in the hands of pinch hitter Casey Blake. Blake showed his rust and struck out quickly leaving Rod Barajas as the last hope. That hope was vanquished when he popped up to the SS. 

For the 39,000 fans who came out to the game, they may have witnessed a loss but I guarantee on the ride home they will be talking about Devaris-Strange Gordon.  

Dee Gordon led off the game with a single, moved to second on a walk, and scored when the back end of a double play ground ball from Andre was booted by Votto. The ball only bounced a few feet away but that was all the room Devaris needed to score from on the play.  Later Flash would pickup a bunt single, going to second on the misplay, then stealing 3rd base for his 3rd stolen base in a week of baseball. From 3rd base he was dancing enough to make Cuerto leave the mound. Andre stranded him as he would fail all night.  The Dodgers had a better chance of scoring with Gordon attempting to steal home then with a bat in Andre's hand. 

In the field Dee made three more splendid plays, showing not only his range in the hole, his arm in the hole, his arm on a relay, but also a nifty ability to pick it. 

Play by Play

2nd Inning - Picks Rolen smash turns into double play

4th Inning - Rolen doubles in a run but Dee Gordon throws out Jay Bruce at home 

5th Inning -  Goes deep in the hole to throw out a slow Ramon Hernandez

7th Inning - nice pick of a tough ground ball to get force at 2nd

Devaris made the tough play, the easy play, and all the plays in between. He looks like a major league SS, will he hit enough to become one? Don't know but I will say his game changing speed and range have made a weeks' worth of Devaris just another reason to follow the Dodgers in 2011. 

Dodger Notes:

• Dodgers fell to 8 - 10 in one run games
• Kershaw did not factor in the decision for the fifth time in his last six starts
• With Tony Gwynn picking up his fifth assist the Dodgers now have 20 assists good for 1st place in MLB