Dodgers offense shut down once again in 4-1 loss to Diamondbacks
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Ugly stats were everywhere Sunday, which, sadly, has become something of a theme for the punchless Dodgers.
They were shackled again, this time by Arizona’s Ian Kennedy, in a 4-1 loss that had to leave them muttering once again about their lack of offense.
The loss dropped the Dodgers to 19-22, and now tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the least-productive offense in the National League next to the Giants. The Dodgers and Pirates have each scored 145 runs, the Dodgers averaging 3.5 per game, while the Giants have scored 135.
They scratched together six hits Sunday, which at least was two more than they managed Saturday. Of course, they were shut out in that one.
This time out, Ted Lilly suffered a miserable fourth inning, which turned out to be the only inning of offensive significance for either club.
The Dodgers had the first crack at getting on the board when they loaded the bases with one out in the first, but James Loney flied out to center and Dioner Navarro struck out. The Dodgers are three for 30 with the bases loaded, the worst average (.100) in baseball.
Otherwise, Kennedy (4-1) pretty much cruised. He gave up one run in the third when Jamey Carroll doubled and scored on Aaron Miles’ single. Between them, the two had five of the Dodgers’ six hits.
Lilly’s odd meltdown in the second inning was too much for the Dodgers to overcome. He started his own trouble with a leadoff walk to Stephen Drew. Xavier Nady followed with a two-run home run, his first homer of the season. Then Ryan Roberts followed with another home run.
Then came a hit batter, a bunt single, a sacrifice bunt by Kennedy and a sacrifice fly by Chris Young.
The Diamondbacks had a 4-0 lead, more than enough the way the Dodgers are going. The Dodgers have scored more than four runs in a game once in their last 11 games.
The Dodgers had more than 10,000 Little Leaguers in attendance, who after the game immediately pledged to join Pop Warner.
Kennedy went six innings, holding the Dodgers to four hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.
The game also saw the end to Andre Ethier’s other streak. Though his hitting streak was stopped at 30 games, he had still managed to reach base in 37 straight games. He went 0 for 4 Sunday.
Lilly (3-4) is on some kind of every-other-game program. He started the season with a poorly pitched game, came back with a strong outing, and has continued that routine now through nine starts.
The loss Sunday also gave Arizona the series, marking the first time the Diamondbacks have won a series at Dodger Stadium in four years.
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