Sick six
The "six" marks a pivotal inning during last night's 3-2 NLCS kick off loss to the Phillies. And "sick," as in, "made Dodger fans feel ill" (as opposed to "sick" the kids say these days when they're talking about something impressive). Those same blue stomachs, however, were actually feeling giddy early on, and that "good butterflies" status didn't even take long to achieve. Andre Ethier hit a first inning double, then barely had a moment to take in the second base environment before Manny Ramirez sent him home with a double that just happened to knick the one "hitters unfriendly" section of Citizens Bank Park. Another few inches up (or simply a different stadium) and you're looking at a long ball. But still, the sequence put the Dodgers on the board from the jump and a fourth inning sac fly from Blake DeWitt (who was a wizard in the field to boot) doubled that tally. Still, CBP is a haven for batsmen, meaning concerns about a pair of runs being enough couldn't help but surface (especially with Cole Hamels firmly in "kill" mode).
Turns out the nervous Nellies weren't just blowing off neurotic steam.
Having just wriggled his way out of a fifth inning pickle, a particularly tense looking Derek Lowe saw his sixth inning commence with more trouble, this time in the form of a Raffy Furcal throwing error that also doubled as a domino effect inducer. Whether rattled by the Shane Victorino's bricked pass to first or simply victim of his own doing and a bad pitch, Lowe proceeded to serve up a two-run homer to Shane Utley. Everyone agreed, the ball would have been nested in Andre Ethier's glove were this an L.A.-based contest. Everyone also agreed, that doesn't really matter, since the game was in Philly and, more importantly, the Phils weren't done with their hometown discount jacks. Lowe proceeded to retire Ryan Howard, but then Pat Burrell stepped up and cranked one into the left field seats. That's all the box score cushion Philly needed, particularly with Ryan Madson able to sub in for Hamels without missing a beat. All in all, not much fun for Takashi Saito to witness (even if he was willing to accept a spectator role, in and of itself).
As the saying goes, if at first you don't succeed, give it another run, since you're not leaving Philly until Friday. With that notion in mind, the ball gets put in Chad Billingsley's hand with the hopes of some magic to come. The afternoon delight (4:35 ET) offers the Dodgers their first chance to show what they're made of when everything isn't coming up roses. Everyone claims the "P" word isn't being uttered, even as T.J. Simers is concerned that Philly isn't sticking to the script. If the Dodgers needed any extra incentive to tie things up, try this motivation on for size: Vinny in the World Series.
Hopefully, Andruw Jones does a better job rooting on his teammates than he did playing with them.
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AJ "expects" to be the everyday Center Fielder next year???
Hey everyone... I expect the stock market to rebound when Santa Claus and The Easter Bunny are united in marriage on the floor of the Market with the Tooth Fairy conducting the ceremony.
Posted by: benzo jones | October 10, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Here a quote from Rollins…maybe they can use it as billboard fodder:
Three runs this time of year, it’s almost like seven or eight earlier in the season. That can be real big,” Rollins said. “So hopefully we can keep our foot on their necks and not let them breathe.”
I know I would be prety pissed if someone was talking about choking me
Posted by: K T | October 10, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Dodger Faithful,
Here's my thoughts on todays game (i'm aware that none of you care). Brett Myers has had a roller coaster year. At time it has been gut wrenching to watch him try to pitch. At other times he looks like a Ace, especially after his stint in the minors. The key his first 2 innings. If the Dodgers get all over him and he's not getting his curveball over it's going to be a long day for the Phils. On the other hand, if he is throwing nasty stuff in the first 2 innings he's going to be hard to hit all afternoon.
On Myers vs. Manny- Brett is a a knucklehead; maybe bigger than Manny. He thinks he's a macho man and will try to challenge Manny right out of the gate. Not a smart move, but Brett's not a smart guy. If Manny takes him yard or gets an extra base hit early Myers tiny brain will be going off like fireworks on the 4th. It's going to be fun too watch.
I still disagree with BK, the Dodgers do not have a big advantage in pitching. Evidenced last night by Hamels, Madson and Lidge. But, I believe Billingley has the advantage today vs. the mindless Myers.
I think it is just awful for kids in LA that will be in school today during the game. FOX and MLB are not your friends.
It's gonna be a great game.
Posted by: Fightin' Phil | October 10, 2008 at 10:41 AM
"I think it is just awful for kids in LA that will be in school today during the game. FOX and MLB are not your friends. "
I appreciated your consideration, Phil. I cannot express how frustrated I am that the lone remaining West Coast team has a 1pm local start time today. However, the people that made this decision are probably the same MENSA club members that decided it would be a brilliant idea to stick Tim McCarver in front of a hot mic for three hours at a time...
Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | October 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
DodgerBlueBalls,
What if FOX threw a broadcast and nobody listened?
I listen to the local announcers on radio for most of the game. I never thought I'd say this but-- long live Dieon Sanders!!
We didn't like here McCarver when he was a broacaster for the Phils or when he was Steve Carlton's caddy.
Posted by: Fightin' Phil | October 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Fighting Phil, i like your analysis and think today will also be a good game, too bad we are stuck at work...
Posted by: poppinfresh | October 10, 2008 at 12:23 PM