Gonzo, and Hanley’s Back To Back Jacks Bring Dodgers Back To Split Series

The Dodgers were forced to start Chris Capuano on three days rest in their finale of the four game series with the Padres at Petco Park. It may not have been the Dodger’s first choice, but options were limited. With Matt Magill hurt, and Ted Lilly eternally rusty, Capuano volunteered to pitch on short rest. The Dodgers had little choice but to accept.

Capuano’s peformance today was clutch-Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers had put Capuano on a strict 75 pitch limit before the game. The veteran left hander would draw flame-throwing righty Andrew Cashner. Capuano’s impressive effort gave the Dodgers a chance to win, but unfortunately all he would have to show for his clutch outing was a no-decision. Capuano tossed five shutout frames allowing just four hits, whiffing five and walking none. Cashner basically matched Cappy pitch by pitch with a strong performance of his own. His line was eight innings of one-run ball, allowing just five hits, and whiffing two. Capuano actually made 74 pitches, and came out after five innings with the game in a scoreless tie.

The Dodgers broke the scoreless tie in the top of the seventh inning. With Cashner still on the mound, Adrian Gonzalez doubled, and Jaun Uribe’s two-out double down the first base line scored Gonzo to put the Dodgers up 1-0.

Thug man homers in the seventh-Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers would use right hander Peter Moylan to pitch the sixth and seventh innings. It was his meatball throwing, that allowed the Padres to tie the score. Public Enemy Carlos Quentin’s eighth home run of the season, a solo shot tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh.

In the top of the ninth, the Dodgers took the lead back thanks to back to back jacks, from Gonzalez, and Hanley Ramirez. San Diego closer Huston Street allowed a no doubter to Adrian Gonzalez that landed into the right field Jury box. Hanley followed with another solo shot to right, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.

Gonzo’s tenth homer of the year gave the Dodgers the lead-Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Kenley Jansen came into close it out in the bottom of the ninth. Denorfia lines out to Ethier. Jansen whiffs Chase Headley. Quentin singles to keep the Padre’s alive momentarily. But Jansen, whiffs Kyle Blanks to end it. The Dodgers win 3-1, and earn a series split.

Puig makes a great diving catch in the third inning-Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon League gets another vulture win, by getting two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Street takes his fourth loss in relief, and Jansen picks up his fourth save of the season. In case you were wondering, Yasiel Puig went 1 for 4 with an infield single, and a spectacular diving catch in right field in the third frame. The rookie phenom is now batting .425. Gonzalez was 2 for 4 on the day, and Uribe collected two hits as well to pick up game balls each. Quentin and Forsythe were two hit collectors for San Diego, and the Dodgers were 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position today.

The Dodgers score a very impressive win and now improve to 32-42 on the season. The Dodgers end their nine game trip with a 4-5 record. The Dodgers will now finally come home to begin a seven game homestand with a crucial three game series with their hated rivals, the Giants. Madison Bumgarner will battle Hyun-jin Ryu tomorrow night at 7:10. Perhaps there is still some hope left? With Kemp, and Van Slyke due back soon? Perhaps, but that hope can be dangerous. I don’t know if the Dodgers have a shot or not, but for now, let’s just enjoy two wins in a row, shall we? Go Blue.