It's the same old story for Dodgers: nine consecutive victories with 7-3 win over Astros
And they never lost again.
The end.
Or something like that. The Dodgers did win again Tuesday night, this time by a 7-3 score over the lowly Houston Astros.
It marked their ninth consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since they won 11 straight July 28-Aug. 11, 2006.
For those of you who knew me in my earlier life, the start of that winning streak coincided with my infamous July 27 column when I wrote the Dodgers off for the season. I loved that column.
At the time, they’d lost eight consecutive games and 13 of their last 14. They were 47-55 and 7½ games out. I smelled road kill.
After I wrote they were done, they not only won 11 consecutive games but 17 of their next 18. They went to 64-56 and 3½ games up.
I never have been properly thanked.
That team finished tied with the Padres for the National League West title and advanced to the playoffs as the wild-card team.
This current incarnation has loftier goals, having been to the last two NL Championship Series, and was understandably embarrassed at an 8-14 start that saw the team drop a quick six games back of the overachieving Padres.
But now bullets bounce off their chests, ladies swoon at their feet, the skies turn blue when they walk outside.
They have won with Manny Ramirez on the disabled list, with Rafael Furcal on the disabled list, and the last four games without Andre Ethier, also now on the disabled list. Should I mention opening-day starter Vicente Padilla is on the DL?
"Even though pitching is always going to be a question mark, especially when your opening-day starter is on the DL, I knew we were better than what we showing," said Manager Joe Torre.
"You just have to sort of show confidence in your players. I told them more than once, 'I know we’re better than we’re playing.’ It’s just a matter of not losing our composure. Everything starts to fall in place when you pitch better.’’
Tuesday starter Hiroki Kuroda, the closest to a sure thing they’ve had in their rotation, was at less than his best and the Dodgers won anyway.
Kuroda (5-1) went six innings, allowing three runs and seven hits. He walked one and struck out two.
Not bad, but not exactly vintage Kuroda.
No matter, it was a ninth consecutive victory. They are now 22-17 and, I’m pretty sure, could be the first team to go 145-17.
Unless, of course, they actually do lose again.
--Steve Dilbeck
The end.
Or something like that. The Dodgers did win again Tuesday night, this time by a 7-3 score over the lowly Houston Astros.
It marked their ninth consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since they won 11 straight July 28-Aug. 11, 2006.
For those of you who knew me in my earlier life, the start of that winning streak coincided with my infamous July 27 column when I wrote the Dodgers off for the season. I loved that column.
At the time, they’d lost eight consecutive games and 13 of their last 14. They were 47-55 and 7½ games out. I smelled road kill.
After I wrote they were done, they not only won 11 consecutive games but 17 of their next 18. They went to 64-56 and 3½ games up.
I never have been properly thanked.
That team finished tied with the Padres for the National League West title and advanced to the playoffs as the wild-card team.
This current incarnation has loftier goals, having been to the last two NL Championship Series, and was understandably embarrassed at an 8-14 start that saw the team drop a quick six games back of the overachieving Padres.
But now bullets bounce off their chests, ladies swoon at their feet, the skies turn blue when they walk outside.
They have won with Manny Ramirez on the disabled list, with Rafael Furcal on the disabled list, and the last four games without Andre Ethier, also now on the disabled list. Should I mention opening-day starter Vicente Padilla is on the DL?
"Even though pitching is always going to be a question mark, especially when your opening-day starter is on the DL, I knew we were better than what we showing," said Manager Joe Torre.
"You just have to sort of show confidence in your players. I told them more than once, 'I know we’re better than we’re playing.’ It’s just a matter of not losing our composure. Everything starts to fall in place when you pitch better.’’
Tuesday starter Hiroki Kuroda, the closest to a sure thing they’ve had in their rotation, was at less than his best and the Dodgers won anyway.
Kuroda (5-1) went six innings, allowing three runs and seven hits. He walked one and struck out two.
Not bad, but not exactly vintage Kuroda.
No matter, it was a ninth consecutive victory. They are now 22-17 and, I’m pretty sure, could be the first team to go 145-17.
Unless, of course, they actually do lose again.
--Steve Dilbeck
Sure why not 145-17? How about a nice even 100 wins? Kershaw, Bills & Kuroda pitch to their potential, the bullpen keeps hammering away, Broxton develops a fearlessness appropriate to his size and oh yeah, continuing sparkling defense, and fine hitting from Loney, Kemp, Manny and Dr. 'Dre (when he returns nice & healthy).
All the ingredients are there, simmering nicely.
Seasoned with a couple of mid-season trades (um, pinch-hitter anyone?).
Serve up a delicious NL Championship appetizer with a World Series main course anyone?
Posted by: Ian Marks | 05/19/2010 at 12:45 AM
It was a good move DL-ing Ethier and bringing up Xavier Paul. On top of everything else he can do, the X-Man can bunt, His bunt was a key move last night. IMO, he should play everyday until Andre makes it back.
Posted by: Doc Häagen-Dazs | 05/19/2010 at 06:24 AM
If the Dodgers finish 145-17 what are you and TJ going to find to whine about?
Posted by: bluz1st | 05/19/2010 at 08:59 AM
At 5-1 with his era, you can make the case, and I hope they do that Kuroda make the all-star team. This may be his final year in the bigs and it's his final year of dodger contract. It would be a nice touch and I think he has earned it. too bad we can't vote for him ...but word of mouth?
Posted by: Hollywood Dodger Mark | 05/19/2010 at 09:31 AM
If the Yankees, Red Sox or Phillies rolled out 9 in a row after a slow start it would be all over the news (espn.cm, foxsports.com, etc.). But nothing, not a word.
What does it take for them to be acknowledged for this? The dodgers are only 1 game out.
Posted by: RandallC | 05/19/2010 at 10:46 AM
bluz1st: Whadda ya mean, there still would be 17 losses to complain about.
Posted by: Steve Dilbeck | 05/19/2010 at 11:00 AM
One of the reasons why the Dodgers' streak is still alive is because Padilla is on the DL.
He has to be the worst opening day starter in the history of baseball.
Posted by: waus | 05/19/2010 at 11:41 AM
Dodgers, believe us!
We always like you,
Whether attend your games,
Or on TV we watch you.
You’re our great team!
Wish to see you,
In any game that take place,
Our love is that of Romeo.
However how pricy are tickets!
We got’ em in Ticketpolice.com
Posted by: Los Angeles Dodgers tickets | 05/25/2010 at 01:56 AM