The Dodgers offense heated up to get a 11-2 win over the Pirates on Jackie Robinson Day at the stadium.
The Pirates had a 1-0 lead until the the fourth when Andre Ethier drove in two with a double. Martin and Jeff Kent each homered, with Kent going 2 for 4 with 3 RBI. I seem to be repeating myself daily when reporting that James Loney extended his hitting streak again to 14 games. You also know it’s a good game for the offense these days when Andruw Jones produces, he went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. The team went an impressive 6 for 10 with RISP. The only batters not to get a hit for the night were pitchers Kuo and Loaiza.
Hong-Chih Kuo took the start and looked shaky in the first inning, allowing the Pirates to score first by giving up a bases-loaded walk. He then gained control to finish four innings, leaving with one run, two hits, and six strikeouts. Esteban Loaiza, the “ex-” fifth starter, then came in out of the bullpen and looked sharp as he finished the remaining five innings, giving up just one run on three hits to take the W.
This combo of two #5 starters may prompt Torre to change up the rotation or possibly use them both for a game, but he has said he won’t worry about that until next Tuesday when a fifth starter is needed again.
The Dodgers look for the series win tonight at 7:10. Brad Penny will look get his win-loss record up to .500 for the season. He will face LHP Paul Maholm, who is winless in four career starts against the Dodgers.
