Dodgers Rally in 7th Inning to Topple Tribe
By Scott Andes
Indians 4 8 1
Dodgers 5 11 0
WP-Grabow-1-0
LP-Herrmann-0-1
SV-Wright-1
*Update-I have just learned via a Ken Gurnick Tweet, that the Dodgers have Re-assigned the following pitchers, Wil Ledezma, Fernando Nieve, and Angel Guzman. Looks like the last spot in the pen is down to John Grabow, and Jamey Wright, we knew that though”
The Dodgers came from behind to rally to tie, then took the lead, against the Cleveland Indians, Saturday at Camelback Ranch, Glendale Arizona. Lefty Chris Capuano, pitched well for the Dodgers, but so did opposing pitcher, and old friends, Derek Lowe. Capuano allowed just two runs on six hits through 6 innings, while whiffing five batters, as Lowe allowed two runs off 7 hits through 6 innings of work, and whiffed four. The Dodgers improved to 11-7 in Cactus League play.
In the bottom of the first, the Dodgers used Dee Gordon’s speed to manufacture a run. The Dodgers look to take advantage of his speed throughout the coming season. Gordon beats out a bunt, then steals second. Catcher Lou Marson throws the ball into center field, and Gordon takes third base. Dee scores on a Mark Ellis ground-out. 1-0 Dodgers.
Cleveland ties it up in the second inning. Casey Kotchman doubles down the left field line. Former Dodger Andy LaRoche, singles him home, tying the game at 1-1.
The Dodgers retake the lead in the bottom of the second inning, when Rivera singles, and scores on an RBI double by James Loney. 2-1 Dodgers.
The Indians would tie the game with a run in the 5th inning. Consecutive singles from Jason Donald, and Jose Lopez, a walk to Asdrubal Caberera, and a Matt LaPorta sac fly.
In the top of the 7th with Dougie on the mound, Juan Uribe had a bumble fest, botching two grounders, one was hot, and one was not. This led to two unanswered Cleveland runs. Gregorio Petit walks, and Jose Lopez, hits a double down the third base line. Uribe was no where in sight. Duncan singles home Petit, on what looks like an easy ground ball, that Uribe lets Ole’ right by him. 3-2 Indians. The second run scores on a Felix Pie sac fly. 4-2 Cleveland.
The Dodgers would rally for three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning. Here is how it happened. Uribe atones for his fielding mistakes, by hitting his first extra base-hit of the spring, a double down the right field line. Josh Fields runs for him. After A.J. Ellis and Kennedy whiff, Oeltjen is hit by a pitch. Next hitter Luis Cruz, delivers with a two-run triple. Fields and Oeltjen score, and the Dodgers tie the game at 4-4. Cory Sullivan who is still around, singles into center field, scoring Cruz, the Dodgers regain the lead 5-4.
That is where the game would stay. Kenley Jansen, and Jamey Wright would pitch scoreless 8th and 9th innings, and the Dodgers win. Tomorrow the Dodgers play the Brewers on the road in Pheonix. Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the Dodgers. Good game today.
Oh and Orel Hershiser is making me cry today. My favorite Dodger player of all time (besides Piazza) is trying to organize an ugly renovation of Dodger Stadium. He has partnered with LG, to ask the winning bidder, to consider some ridiculous renovation that includes some huge gaudy scoreboard in center field. Seriously take a look, I almost puked when I saw it. I am sick of hearing about messing with Dodger Stadium. Renovations this drastic don’t need to be made. Any talk of this during the sacred 50th anniversary of our home, is bordering on sacrilegious in my opinion. Anyways, discuss amongst yourselves Dodger fans. I am going to try and forget I ever saw that ugly image. Any kind of renovation that major takes away from the allure and experience that is Dodger Stadium. I don’t need any fancy luxury boxes, or gaudy scoreboards. I sit amongst the people. I have no problems sitting anywhere at Dodger Stadium. While I try and get that image out of my head, have a great afternoon Dodger fans.