The Dodgers Go for Sweep and Fourth Consecutive Win to Start the Season

Happy Easter Everyone!

Aaron Harang (0-0) vs. Clayton Richard (0-0)

Lineup:

Gordon SS

Sellers 2B

Kemp CF

Ethier RF

Rivera LF

Uribe 3B

Loney 1B

Treanor C

Harang P

Justin Sellers will make his first start of the season at second base, and he will hit second.  Matt Treanor makes his first start behind the plate to rest A.J. Ellis. Can Juan Uribe and James Loney get their first hit of the year?

Last night was both frustrating and exciting. The fifth inning meltdown shared between Chris Capuano and Jamey Wright felt so typical. After the past few seasons which included many a bullpen meltdown, we are almost numb to them now. Of course they always come with two outs in the inning, that’s just how it’s scripted. Yet there was many high notes on the night including Ethier’s continued extra base hit party, and A.J. Ellis‘ huge homerun. The shining star was none other than Dee Gordon who not only stole three bases, but also had three hits on the night and helped distract the Padres enough to tip the scales on the Dodgers’ side.

Today the Dodgers may be tired, but their adrenaline might just propel them towards a fourth consecutive victory and sweep. This season is starting off on a magical note, isn’t it? No thanks to Juan Uribe or James Loney though who are both 0 for like forever.

We also found out last night some sad news about Carlos Monasterios. Monasterios pitched in 32 games and started 13 games for the Dodgers in 2010, and the right-hander was 3-5 with a 4.38 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery last year and missed basically the entire season. After reporting to Spring Training this year, he was still experiencing arm issues, and he subsequently had to undergo a second surgery to relocate the ulna nerve.

Aaron Harang, who was born in San Diego, will make his Dodger debut today in his hometown and versus his former team. Last season with the Padres, Harang went 14-7 with a 3.64 ERA in 170.2 innings and 28 games started. The big right-handed hurler pitched well this Spring, and had a 1-1 record with a 2.63 ERA in 24 innings pitched. He struck out 14 while walking 5. He had a minor foot issue, but bounced back quickly.

The Padres will counter with big lefty Clayton Richard. Last season with San Diego he was 5-9 with a 3.88 ERA in 18 games started before undergoing season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder last July. He pitched in 20 innings this Spring and posted a 1-1 record with a 6.30 ERA. He struck out 14 and walked 2, but he did allow 14 earned runs. The Padres are looking for a win before they open a series with the defending NL West Champion Arizona Diamondbacks starting Tuesday.

Now let’s HOP to it! Let’s carry this momentum all the way into the home opener on Tuesday! Go Blue!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @LasordasLair and yours truly @organicallyrude