Dodgers Ride Billingsley’s Dominance to Victory

How badly needed was that??  Chad Billingsley delivered the team’s FIRST complete game by a starting pitcher in 2010 and single-handedly put a tally in the victory column upon defeating the Giants 1-0 at Dodger Stadium.

It was the first time all season the Dodgers didn’t have to use their bullpen.

It was the first shutout thrown by a Dodgers pitcher since May of 2009 (Eric Stults? Really?).

It was the first time Billingsley went 9 innings since July 30, 2008 (he shutout the Giants 4-0, at least he knows what opponent to bring the A-stuff against).

Amazingly, it was the fourth 1-0 game the Dodgers have come out on top of in 2010.  Their record in 1-0 games stands at 4-2 thus far.  Billingsley has won two 1-0 games already this year.  Maybe he’s developing the “stopper” mentality that many did not think he had within his DNA.

It gave the franchise a sliver of hope that Kershaw and Billingsley are capable of leading the rotation, provide big innings, and carry the team to the post-season.

It came at an incredibly good time for the Blue Crew.  With the trade deadline a mere 9 days away, Joe Torre and company were given an outstanding audition by the 25 year old Ohio native.  It could sway their desire to acquire a veteran, upper-echelon starter or even use Billingsley as trade fodder (who was sought by Seattle in talks for Cliff Lee).

It was the start of something big for the 2010 Dodgers.  (fingers crossed)