Dodgers Defeat Braves 6-1

After what can only be described as a bizarre day for the Dodgers, Jon Garland gave manager Don Mattingly the perfect birthday present. Making just his second start of the season, Garland scattered four hits and two walks, allowing only one run, and threw the Dodgers first complete game of the season. Juan Uribe provided all of the offense the Dodgers would need with four RBI’s and Andre Ethier extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a first inning double. Ethier later hit his 100th career home run as the Dodgers cruised over the Braves 6-1.

The Dodgers bounced back from an 8 run 9th inning the previous night and shook off the distractions from MLB commissioner Bud Selig’s news that “I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club.”

While the players to a man said their focus is on the field and it will be business as usual, local media took a more aggressive stand. Long time Dodger reporter Bill Plaschke from the LA Times said Dodger fans should feel free to “Shout for Joy.” For tonight, at least, all of the talk in the locker room was about one of the Dodgers best played games of the season and not their suddenly uncertain ownership situation.