This was a tough series. The Dodgers had clawed their way into first place, then dropped the first two games of this series. Fortunately they didn’t get swept and won today, so no matter what happens with the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers will have at least a share of first place in the NL West.
Tuesday’s game was ugly. The Padres had a 5-0 lead after two and then they were up 8-1 after five. Aaron Sele earned his first loss of the season and the only run came on Russell Martin’s RBI single in the fifth inning.
Yesterday, the Dodgers did a little better but came up short yet again. Willie Aybar and Matt Kemp both homered and Hong-Chih Kuo took the loss. He’s now 0-4 on the season and his ERA is up to 5.00.
Today, Chad Billinglsey made his major league debut. He didn’t get the win, but he had a very solid start. He gave up two runs on six hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. Jon Broxton gave up a run but he picked up his first win of the season. On the hitting side, Jeff Kent came off the DL and made an immediate impact. He went three for five with two RBIs and two runs.
The Dodgers travel to Oakland for an interleague series this weekend, and we’re catching them while they’re hot. I’d be very happy if we walked away with two wins on this series.
UPDATE
The Diamondbacks just lost so the Dodgers are in first place a game ahead of Arizona.
