Dodgers hit the road as an offensive machine in 12-0 victory over Reds

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Maybe the Dodgers could learn to like this road thing.

This road is nothing like Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic landscape, but a happy place filled with hits and runs. Lots of hits and runs. Also a victory.

The Dodgers had not played outside cozy Chavez Ravine since May 30, but they made themselves right at home Tuesday in Cincinnati.

The Dodgers beat the Reds 12-0, that offense that had been so anemic of late at Dodger Stadium suddenly very much alive.

The Dodgers had a regular hit party, pounding out 19. Rafael Furcal went five for six, had two RBIs and, almost as an aside, played some tremendous defense.

Manny Ramirez (.415) and James Loney (.390) entered the night with the two highest career batting averages against the Reds of any current major-league players, and then increased their numbers.

Manny went three for four (including a two-run homer), scored three times and had four RBIs. Almost like he was warming up for Boston this weekend.

Loney went four for five, including three doubles, scored and drove in a pair of runs.

Even struggling Matt Kemp, batting sixth for the first time all season, went two for four and had two RBIs.

Right-hander Aaron Harang couldn’t stop them and neither could a two-hour, 24-minute rain delay.

The Dodgers had so much offense going, Ramon Troncoso walked, with the bases loaded no less, to not only reach base for the first time in his three-year career but to collect his first RBI.

Hiroki Kuroda threw five shutout innings to pick up the victory and raise his record to 6-4. He came back after the rain delay to pitch the fifth.

-- Steve Dilbeck