Dodgers 1, Giants 0, end of six
Through five innings, the temperature had begun to drop into reasonable spring territory and not the oddly, mid-summer heat that permeated the game's start.
Dodger Stadium might be graying, but with the sun setting on the San Gabriel Mountains, it still offers one of the most beautiful stadium settings in all of sports.
The Giants got their first leadoff hitter on of the night to start the sixth when Freddy Sanchez singled to left, but he was quickly erased when Abrey Huff bounced into a double play. Buster Posey singled, but Pat Burrell fouled out to James Loney to end San Francisco's half of the inning.
Meanwhile, Tim Lincecum had retired eight consecutive batters when he got into trouble with one out in the bottom of the sixth. And he wasn't exactly helped by any sterling Giants defense.
Lincecum walked Matt Kemp with one out before Loney hit what should have been a double-play ball to shortstop Miguel Tejada. But Tejada's throw went wide of second for an error, and both runners were safe.
Lincecum hit former Giant teammate Juan Uribe with his first pitch to load the bases. Catcher Buster Posey blocked a pitch in the dirt, picked it up and then inexplicably threw to third -- even though Kemp was already standing on the base.
The ball sailed down the left-field line and Kemp trotted home for the game's first run. Lincecum forced Rod Barajas to pop up, and after an intentional walk to Jamey Carroll, got Clayton Kershaw to bounce out to first.
-- Steve Dilbeck
Vinnie's on the radio in the 7th inning! Are we going to be treated to more Vinnie this year, or is this special for opening day?
Posted by: legalchick | 03/31/2011 at 07:11 PM
legalchick: It's just for today, because ESPN is broadcasting the game on TV.
Posted by: Steve Dilbeck | 03/31/2011 at 07:34 PM
Dang. It was great to hear Vinnie doing a radio game, not a simulcast.
Posted by: legalchick | 04/01/2011 at 12:50 PM