1988 Dodgers Week 19 review: Tim Leary does a little extra

The Dodgers had a rough week, and after losses Monday and Tuesday saw their division lead cut to just a half-game over the Astros. But they responded with three wins during the week, including two thanks to Tim Leary.

The right-hander got the win on Friday against the Giants on the mound, then on Saturday delivered a pinch-hit single to drive in the winning run in the 11th inning to stun San Francisco.

This was a week that saw the Dodgers say goodbye to Don Sutton, who was 3-6 with a 3.92 ERA in 16 starts. Sutton, who holds several Dodgers franchise records including starts, wins, innings and strikeouts, made his 756th career start on Tuesday, third most in baseball history. The 43-year-old was released on Wednesday to make room for the 20-year-old Ramon Martinez, who made his debut on Saturday and pitched brilliantly into the eighth inning.

Saturday's pitchers duel extended into extra innings when the Dodgers ran out of available position players thanks to a series of ejections in the 11th inning. Per Sam McManis of the Los Angeles Times:

The rally began when Guerrero singled to right. Guerrero then went to second on a passed ball. From there, confusion reigned. Guerrero started arguing with second base umpire Joe West. Eventually, both Guerrero and Lasorda were ejected, and Stubbs ran for Guerrero.

After Marshall walked to put runners at first and second with no outs, John Shelby bunted down the third-base line. Just as the ball was rolling foul, it looked as if Price touched it, but plate umpire Paul Runge ruled otherwise. Davis was ejected for arguing from the dugout. When play resumed, Shelby moved Stubbs to third with a fly to deep right. Tracy Woodson flied to shallow center, Stubbs holding at third. Giant Manager Roger Craig then intentionally walked Alfredo Griffin.

That brought up reliever Alejandro Pena's spot in the lineup. With Davis ejected, the Dodgers were forced to use Leary. With Leary's hit, Pena was credited with the victory.

By the end of the week, the Dodgers gained back the two games they lost and were 2½ games up on the Astros.

Dodger Batter of the Week: Mike Marshall easily takes the cake this week, hitting .370 with a pair of home runs and six driven in. Marshall even tripled and stole a base.

Dodger Pitcher of the Week: For pitching into the eighth inning in his major league debut and allowing just one run, Ramon Martinez takes home the weekly honors. He struck out five Giants on Saturday night but got a no-decision.

Week 19 Record: 3-4

29 runs scored (4.17 per game)
49 runs allowed (7.00 per game)
.277 pythagorean winning percentage

Seasonal Record: 65-51

491 runs scored (4.20 per game)
435 runs allowed (3.72 per game)
.555 pythagorean winning percentage (64-52)

Transactions:

• Tuesday: After missing 37 games with a sore elbow, 43-year-old Don Sutton was activated from the disabled list to start in Cincinnati. Outfielder Jose Gonzalez hopped back on his oft-used shuttle back to Triple-A Albuquerque.
• Wednesday: Allowing six runs to the Reds was the final straw for Don Sutton, who was released, likely ending his career. Replacing the Dodger icon was 20-year-old Ramon Martinez, promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque.
• Sunday: After losing his spot in the starting rotation, Shawn Hillegas was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. Ken Howell, 10-0 as a starter with the Dukes, was recalled from Triple-A and will pitch out of the bullpen.

Game Results:

• Monday, Aug. 8: Astros 10, Dodgers 0
• Tuesday, Aug. 9: Reds 6, Dodgers 0
• Wednesday, Aug. 10: Dodgers 8, Reds 5
• Thursday, Aug. 11: Reds 9, Dodgers 8 (10)
• Friday, Aug. 12: Dodgers 7, Giants 3
• Saturday, Aug. 13: Dodgers 2, Giants 1 (11)
• Sunday, Aug. 14: Giants 15, Dodgers 4

Upcoming Week: The Dodgers run the Willie Montanez Gauntlet, with the series finale against the Giants, followed by home games against the Phillies and Expos.

Previous 1988 weeks in review: April 4-10 | April 11-17 | April 18-24 | April 25-May 1 | May 2-8 | May 9-15 | May 16-22 | May 23-29 | May 30-June 5 | June 6-12 | June 13-19 | June 20-26 | June 27-July 3 | July 4-10 | July 11-17 | July 18-24 | July 25-31 | Aug 1-7

Week 19 Stats