First Place, and it Feels so Good!

Chris Capuano (3-6, 4.63) vs. Todd Redmond (1-1, 4.32)

Dodgers Lineup:

The Dodgers go for their fifth consecutive victory and a series win in Canada on Tuesday evening. The Dodgers have scored 23 runs over their past 2 games during an amazing offensive explosion. Even though the Dodgers have lost Matt Kemp again with an ankle injury this time, the Dodgers will have to continue to win with or without them. They’ve been doing just that thanks to an incredible run by Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez, arguably the best offensive shortstop in the league, has been crushing the ball since returning from his hamstring injury. Hanley is hitting the ball hard and effortlessly as he flashes the batting champion side of him which was hampered by the atmosphere in Miami and some injuries. Hanley, who may be getting an extension from the Dodgers before the season is finished, is hitting on par with the likes of the other notorious Ramirez: Manny. Hanley & Manny comparisons can be made between the two outgoing Dominicans, but time will tell if Hanley can lead this team to the postseason like Manny once did.

Can Hanley Ramirez take this team to the promise land? Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays looked terrible Monday night in game one. Even though they did score 5 runs, the 5 bumbling errors really erased that score in the grand scheme of the game. The pitching was not effective at all against the Dodgers, a team which is finally playing like a legitimate first place squad. I must admit, I’m giddy as can be recently. After two months of horrible baseball, this revamped team is like a breath of fresh air. The games are fun to watch, and the losses don’t sting as much since they don’t come around as often as before.

Chris Capuano will get the start for game two. Cappy has flashed moments of great pitching, but other starts he has struggled. The southpaw pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings in his last start, a win, against Colorado at Dodger Stadium. He allowed 6 hits and struck out 8 while walking none. This Capuano is the one which we will need going down the stretch. He is 1-0 with a 1.80 with 6 strikeouts in 5 innings in 1 start at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Todd Redmond, a right-hander, will try to squelch the Dodger bats. In his last

Todd Redmond will face Los Angeles for the first time in his career. Photo: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

start in Baltimore, Redmond allowed 3 runs on 4 hits in 4 innings pitched. He struck out 6 and walked 1 in the no-decision. Redmond has never faced the Dodgers.

The Dodgers and the Blue Jays made some big trades in order to shake things up and go for a playoff berth, but the Blue Jays are floundering. The Dodgers struggled as well, but it looks like with a healthy lineup and improved relief pitching and defense the Dodgers can be competitive and go for a divisional crown. The Blue Jays have yet to win a game since the All-Star break, and the Dodgers have yet to lose one.

Tune into KCAL at 4:07 p.m., and be sure to join us after for our postgame report!