The Dodger offense came back after being held to one run on Friday to explode for 10 runs on nine hits to take the second game of the set from the Giants.
The offense was keyed by a five-run third inning, including Manny’s first homerun of the night, a three-run shot. Matt Kemp then a added a two-run homerun that same inning. The Dodgers then loaded the bases in the seventh and walked in two runs, with RBI for Angel Berroa and Delwyn Young with the walks. They then added three insurance runs in the eighth, including Manny’s second homerun of the night to total 5 RBI. Despite the 10-run attack, the Dodgers failed to rally with RISP after getting 11 walks and leaving 22 men on base for the night.
Hiroki Kuroda chipped in with two hits at the plate, but struggled on the mound in his four-plus innings, and was tagged for three runs on eight hits before being pulled after giving up a leadoff double in the fifth. Chan Ho Park then came in but was no relief for the Dodgers, allowing two more runs to score without recording an out. Beimel, Saito, Wade, and Broxton then finished the game, with Broxton being tagged for two unearned runs in the ninth and Saito taking the win.
The Dodgers have lost just four times in their past 20 games, which gives them the MLB lead for the best record in that span. Last night’s win also clinched at least a .500 season for the boys. Derek Lowe will make the start in today’s rubber match and will face Matt Cain. Lowe is 4-0 in his last four decisions while Cain is 0-5 lifetime against the Dodgers, with two of the losses coming this year.
