Starter Chad Billingsley went five innings, giving up just one run (from a sacfly) on four hits, and struck out eight. Such a stellar performance wasn’t enough to keep him away from a loss though, as the Dodgers couldn’t produce a run off of Greg Maddux and the Padres.
Though Billingsley took the loss, his numbers are a great change from his last outing in Arizona, where he gave up five runs and didn’t make it out of the third inning. It’s unfortunate that Billingsley must take the loss, as that stat doesn’t show his improved control and consistency through all five innings. Chan Ho Park, Jonathan Broxton, and Joe Beimel came out of the bullpen to combine for four scoreless innings.
Maddux earned his 349th career victory with the win, pitching five innings and giving up only two hits. Three Padres then came in for the hold until Trevor Hoffman came in to close the ninth and seal the victory.
The Dodgers bats cooled and were held to just five hits after exploding for 11 runs in the previous night. Loney doubled in the ninth off of Hoffman, who again extends his hit streak to twelve games. Furcal, Pierre, Kent, and DeWitt also added one hit each. Pierre took the start over Matt Kemp, who has now sat three straight games.
Update: Nomar started at third for Triple A Las Vegas. He went 0 for 3 with a walk. Torre would like to activate him for the Dodgers road trip beginning Friday, but doesn’t want to rush it until Nomar is fully healthy and able to play.
The Dodgers open a three game series with Pittsburgh on Monday at home.
