Dodgers suddenly find Cards an easy mark, sweeping three-game series with 4-3 victory
Ah, too bad the Dodgers can’t play the Cardinals every day.
Once the team they couldn’t beat, now their favorite patsies.
The Dodgers defeated the Cardinals again Wednesday, like that’s big news. This time they beat Adam Wainwright and pals, 4-3, to sweep the three-game series.
Not to overstate it as some kind of omen, but the last time the Dodgers swept the Cards in a regular-season series at Dodger Stadium was 1988. Believe that season turned out OK.
These are the same Cardinals the Dodgers swept in last year’s National League Division Series, making it six consecutive victories over the team that entered the series leading the N.L. Central.
This time they got a two-run homer from Manny Ramirez in the first and a two-run single from Blake DeWitt in the third. In three innings, they scored more runs against Wainwright (8-4) than he had allowed in his last 23 innings.
The rest was left to Clayton Kershaw (6-3) and the ever-dependable bullpen, which continued the series frustration for St. Louis’ Big Two: Albert Pujols and Matt Holiday.
Holiday went 1-for-10 in the three-game series, while Pujols -- probably the most feared hitter in baseball -- went 1-for-11.
Kershaw struck out a season-high 10 in seven innings, allowing the three runs on four hits and two walks. Ronald Belisario pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Broxton the ninth to earn his 16th save and 15th in the Dodgers last 32 games.
-- Steve Dilbeck
It's always an adventure when Broxton comes in, but I'm glad it worked out tonight.
Posted by: MikeP | 06/09/2010 at 10:28 PM
Very nice outing by Kershaw...he threw the ball well. Judging from his body language, he didn't want to come out when Torre went to get him. I don't blame him...I think he should've stayed in. I wonder why Torre sent him out there in the first place. Maybe he had second thoughts about Kershaw's pitch count (113).
Posted by: bob cuomo | 06/09/2010 at 10:45 PM
Joe seems to make at least one questionable call every game. I couldn't figure that one out either.
Can someone please explain how Loney can steal 7-10 bases and Kemp is now about 9 for 18? He is slow(er), fast but not quick or just not reading the pitchers well this year. I would throw a ton of money to get Davey Lopes back in LA to coach first and teach Kemp how to do it right!
Posted by: phillydodger | 06/10/2010 at 07:16 AM
Patsie's ha better watch what you say..cardinals have been slumping really bad and are still 1-2 games out of first..So i hope we play u guys again in the playoffs you know how to lite up a team when we meet again..ha.Cannot wait to u guys come to st louis..ha
Posted by: L a blue hoo | 06/10/2010 at 03:53 PM