The Dodgers played almost two games today as they topped the Padres 5-4 in seventeen innings. Derek Lowe was knocked around for four runs in 6 1/3 innings. Fortunately, six relievers combined for 10 2/3 shutout innings of one-hit ball in a complete shut down from the seventh inning on. Chad Billingsley picked up the win and he struck out four in two shutout innings.
The came winner was an RBI double by Brady Clark. Jeff Kent and Luis Gonzalez each went yard in the win and Nomar Garciaparra went three for eight in the win. Juan Pierre finished with two hits, a walk, two stolen bases and a run.
So the Dodgers are back in first place and they have company, although it’s no longer the Giants. After a three game turnaround because of a Diamondbacks sweep over the Giants, the D-backs flipped from fourth to first and the Giants now have gone from first to fourth. And just in time because the Dodgers have a three game series Diamondbacks in a battle for first place. This’ll be a good one and it’ll be Randy Wolf against Brandon Webb in the opener.
