Golden Boys – A Dodgers Dynasty

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Game 123: Dodgers (74-48) @ Marlins (42-80)

Hidalgo Clutch, Hernandez Clumsy

Left: Richard Hidalgo blasts a three-run homer into the stands; Right: Tomo Ohka pumps his fist after the save.

Due to a late home run by Florida's outfielder Richard Hidalgo, the Dodgers lost to the Marlins, 1-3. With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Hidalgo connected for a three-run shot off LA's relief pitcher Roberto Hernandez. "When you come into the game as a reliever, the first pitch is always the most difficult", a disappointed Hernandez stated later. "I decided to go with an inside fastball, but he [Hidalgo] must have seen it comin'."

Earlier in the game, the Dodgers had opened the scoring on Larry Walker's RBI single in the first inning. His liner to center field drove in lead-off hitter Kenny Lofton from second base. LA's starting pitcher Terry Mulholland had a good day, going seven innings of shutout baseball. "Although we didn't win in the end, I'm still quite happy with my own performance today", the lefty told reporters after the game. In the bottom of the eighth, Mulholland let two runners get on base, which ultimately cost him two earned runs.

After Alfonso Soriano and Marco Scutaro had flied out, Paul Konerko got on base with a single. Jose Guillen followed by hitting another single off Mulholland, who was then replaced by Hernandez. Much to the delight of the crowd at Pro Player Stadium, Hidalgo crushed the first ball thrown in his direction for his twelfth long ball of the year. In the ninth, the Marlins relied on Tomo Ohka to secure the win. The closer did not let his team down, recording his 16th save of 2005.

Boxscore: LAD 1 – FLA 3

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Game 124: Dodgers (74-49) @ Marlins (43-80)

Clemens & Co. Give Florida A Lesson In Baseball

Left: Frank Thomas watches his home run flight; Right: Jeff Conine robs Florida's Miguel Olivo of a solo homer.

A strong performance by ace Roger Clemens paved the way for LA's 5-2 success over the Marlins. The Rocket pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs on eight hits while recording five strikeouts. Solid offense and excellent defense by his teammates helped Clemens to get his 14th win of the season. "It's not that hard to win games, if you've got guys like these doing the dirty work for you", the right-hander laughed at the press conference.

The Marlins opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning on Paul Konerko's RBI single, but the Dodgers struck back by scoring twice over the next two innings. Omar Vizquel put the visitors on the board by starting the third with his eleventh long ball of the year. One inning later, Vizquel was hit by Noah Lowry's pitch with the bases loaded. Second baseman Craig Biggio went deep in the fifth, making it 3-1 for the Californians.

Marco Scutaro drove in one run in the sixth inning, but LA's Frank Thomas silenced the crowd at Pro Player Stadium with a stunning two-run homer in the eighth. The blast came with two outs and was Thomas' 17th of the season. Closer Trevor Hoffman entered the game in the ninth and retired the side for his 36th save of 2005. "We played very well today, but now we need to stay focused", manager Jim Tracy declared. "The upcoming homestand against the Rockies is probably the most important series of the year for us."

Boxscore: LAD 5 – FLA 2

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Game 125: Rockies (72-52) @ Dodgers (75-49)

Dodgers Prevail In Key Series Opener

Left: LA's Shane Reynolds struck out six Rockies; Right: Despite a bad swing, Barry Bonds still drives in a run.

In the eagerly awaited duel of the two top teams in the NL West, the Dodgers defeated the Rockies in the first game of a three-game set, 4-2. Shane Reynolds started on the mound for LA, pitching six superb innings in which he gave up just one run on two hits. In the end, Reynolds had struck out six opposing batters for his fourth win of the year, while Colorado's Curt Shilling was dealt a tough loss. "This series might decide about whether we make it to the playoffs or not", Reynolds stated after the game. "So, I'm extremely happy that we could win the opener."

The Dodgers took an early lead when Barry Bonds came through with an RBI single in the first inning. Even though the slugger only managed to make contact with the inside part of his bat, it was enough to allow Kenny Lofton to score the opening run from second base. Later that inning, catcher Greg Myers hit an RBI single as well, bringing home Craig Biggio. The Rockies got on the board in the sixth on Clint Barmes' solo shot, thus pulling the visitors within one run.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the home team scored two more runs off Shilling. After Myers had driven in his second run of the night, pinch hitter Julio Franco delivered with two outs. His RBI single provided LA's bullpen with a two-run lead for the final three innings of the game. Relief pitcher Buddy Groom gave up solo home run to Colorado's Jason Conti in the eighth, but closer Trevor Hoffman finally retired the side in the ninth for his 37th save of the season.

Boxscore: COL 2 – LAD 4

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Game 126: Rockies (72-53) @ Dodgers (76-49)

Robust Rockies Fight Back In Close Game

Left: Chipper Jones flashes some leather at third base; Right: Craig Biggio hits his 16th home run of the season.

In a very close game at Dodger Stadium, the Rockies defeated the home team, 2-1. Kenny Rogers, who started the game for the Dodgers, did not have a bad night on the mound, but the lefty could not prevent his team from losing. Rogers surrendered two runs on ten hits while striking out five batters. "I think this game could've gone either way", the southpaw said afterwards. "In the end, the Rockies might have deserved to win because they showed more ambition than we did."

LA's second baseman Craig Biggio opened the scoring in the first inning with his 16th home run of the year. After that, the Dodgers and their bats went awfully quiet, with only four more hits over the remaining eight innings. Kenny Lofton, Larry Walker, and Greg Myers all went hitless for the hosts. While his offense piled up an impressive twelve hits, Colorado's starter Joe Blanton pitched six strong innings for his seventh win of 2005.

Jason Conti tied the game in the second inning with a two-out RBI single. "It was a mistake to pitch to him", LA's manager Jim Tracy admitted at the press conference. "Second base was open, so it would have been wiser to just walk him and let the pitcher step to the plate." The Rockies scored the go-ahead run in the seventh when outfielder Pedro Feliz hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Conti from third base. Although the Dodgers tried to strike back, the Rockies managed to retire the side in the ninth for the win.

Boxscore: COL 2 – LAD 1

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Game 127: Rockies (73-53) @ Dodgers (76-50)

LA Takes Series On Franco's Big Night

Left: Gonzo takes Steve Sparks deep for a solo homer; Right: Julio Franco drives in the winning run in the tenth.

Age does not matter - a fact the Dodgers and especially Julio Franco know just too well. The 47-year-old was the hero in his team's hard-earned 4-3 win in extra innings over the Rockies. In the bottom of the eighth, Franco tied the game by delivering a clutch two-out single, which brought home Barry Bonds from second base. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Franco again stepped to the plate in the tenth. He lined a ball to right field, allowing Craig Biggio to score the winning run from third. "What a game, what a win", Franco commented on his big night.

At first, the battle between the two teams boiled down to a real pitchers' duel. Brad Radke, who started the game for the Rockies, went seven outstanding innings, giving up just a single run on three hits in total. His counterpart, LA's knuckleballer Steve Sparks, also pitched very well, going six innings while fanning seven batters. Luis Gonzalez's solo shot in the sixth inning accounted for the only run allowed by Sparks.

Omar Vizquel tied the game in the seventh, but the visitors regained the lead in the eighth by scoring a pair. Chipper Jones and Gonzo hit back-to-back RBI singles, thus making it 3-1 for the Rockies. However, the Dodgers did not give up, ultimately scoring another run in the bottom of the inning on Bonds' two-out RBI double. After that, Franco turned the entire game around with just two swings of the bat. "With his experience and patience at the plate, he's an important part of our team", GM Jim Tracy declared.

Boxscore: COL 3 – LAD 4

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Game 128: Astros (55-72) @ Dodgers (77-50)

Guthrie Strikes Again, Profits From Rallying Offense

Left: B. Bonds goes deep for the 30th time; Right: B. Santiago scores the go-ahead run on B.J. Surhoff's single.

Although the Dodgers trailed the Astros by four runs after the top of the fifth inning, the all-veteran team from the West Coast displayed a fantastic attitude and rallied for the win. The visitors from Texas had opened the scoring in the fourth inning by putting a three-spot on the board, but Barry Bonds cut their lead to two runs by going deep in the bottom of the inning. The long ball was the slugger's 30th of the year. "I'm having a great season so far and I'm certainly not done yet", Bonds told reporters after the game.

In the top of the fifth inning, Pat Burell drove in Derek Jeter from second base with a double, making it 4-1 for the Astros. Shawn Green then added to the lead with an RBI single. LA's B.J. Surhoff hit a two-run homer in the next frame, and relief pitcher Mark Guthrie scored on Omar Vizquel's RBI double. After Vinny Castilla had tied the game in the sixth, Surhoff drove in the go-ahead run by recording his third hit of the night. Vizquel hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded, and Craig Biggio capped a four-run inning with an RBI double.

Guthrie, who had come into the game for starter Terry Mulholland in the fifth inning, pitched very well and earned his eleventh win of the year. "What's even better is that I'm still without a loss in 2005", the lefty stated at the press conference. "Sooner or later, I'm gonna lose a game, but for now, I'm just enjoyin' the ride." Closer Trevor Hoffman took the mound in the ninth, retiring the opposing side for his Major League-leading 38th save.

Boxscore: HOU 5 – LAD 8

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Game 129: Astros (55-73) @ Dodgers (78-50)

Dedicated Dodgers Flex Muscles Again

Left: Barry Bonds watches his long ball leave the park; Right: Roger Clemens earned his 15th win of the season.

The Dodgers defeated the Astros by scoring eight runs against the Texans for the second straight time. Roger Clemens led his team to an 8-3 victory, thus recording his 15th win of the year. "The regular season is nearing its end, but I'm just getting started", the Rocket stated after the game. While Clemens allowed three runs on ten hits over seven innings, Houston's starter Jeff Anderson only lasted a little more than four innings on the mound.

LA's slugger Barry Bonds opened the scoring in the second inning with his 31st home run of the year. The Dodgers went on to score three more runs in the third, but the Astros struck back by also scoring three runs in the fourth. Pat Burrell and Scott Hairston both homered off Clemens to bring the visitors within a single run of the hosts. Kenny Lofton joined the long ball parade in the bottom of the inning, making it 5-3 for the Dodgers.

In the sixth inning, Craig Biggio's RBI single and Bonds' two-run double provided the Dodgers with a comfortable five-run lead with only three more innings to go. Relief pitcher Roberto Hernandez handed the ball over to Tom Gordon in the ninth inning. In his first appearance since the injury, Flash did not have too much trouble retiring the opposing side. "I'm glad to be back on the team", Gordon said. "Even though I'm still feeling a bit shaky, every second I'm standing on the mound makes me stronger again."

Boxscore: HOU 3 – LAD 8

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Game 130: Astros (55-74) @ Dodgers (79-50)

Big Bats Help 'Stros To Avoid Sweep

Left: Houston's P. Burrell connects for a three-run shot; Right: S. Green celebrates his 22nd home run of 2005.

In the third and final game against the Astros, Dodgers GM Jim Tracy benched a couple of key players which resulted in a 2-7 loss. Without Barry Bonds, Larry Walker, and Greg Myers, the Californians never posed a danger to the visiting team's success. Houston collected a total of 15 hits over nine innings, while LA had to settle with only six. "It clearly wasn't our game", Tracy admitted after the loss. "I don't think it was the wrong decision to bench a couple of players, though. They were tired and needed some rest."

Shawn Green got things started for the Astros in the fourth inning with a solo home run. Later that inning, Eric Byrnes tripled to bring home Javy Lopez all the way from first base. LA's starting pitcher Shane Reynolds was pulled for reliever Mike Jackson, but Houston kept on pounding the ball. Green added another run in the fifth by allowing Derek Jeter to score from third on a sacrifice fly. The Dodgers got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Craig Biggio tripled with Kenny Lofton on base. Two at-bats later, Biggio also scored on B.J. Surhoff's sac fly.

However, the Astros did not seem to be too impressed by the home team's rally. Jeter made it 4-2 in the seventh inning with his 16th long ball of the year. Pat Burrell finally sealed the deal on Houston's triumph with a three-run homer in the eighth. Starter Erik Bedard recorded his fifth win of 2005 by pitching six strong innings. The Dodgers are now heading on a road trip. First, they will play a three-game set at Chicago, followed by a crucial series against the Rockies.

Boxscore: HOU 7 – LAD 2

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Standings, Stats & Scores:

Hall of Fame: SP Roger Clemens

Hall of Shame: RP Roberto Hernandez

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Update:

Shane Reynolds suffered an inflamed left elbow against the Astros. He'll be out for nine days, thus missing his next scheduled start. I've called up SP Dave Burba (39) from AAA to fill in for Reynolds for that one game.

[NYY_rich]

You're doin a great job... keep up the good work!

[redsox234]

i love this dynasty great job

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Game 131: Dodgers (79-51) @ Cubs (73-57)

Cubbies Clobbered By Dominating Dodgers

Left: SP K. Rogers pitched well at Wrigley Field; Right: LF B. Bonds had two homers and three RBIs on the night.

Thanks to an excellent Barry Bonds, the Dodgers were able to crush the Cubs at Wrigley Field, 10-4. Bonds went 4-for-5 on the night and drove in three runs, two of which came on solo shots. "I'm the team's slugger, so it's my job to carry the offense", the 41-year-old outfielder said after the game. By improving his batting average to .339 and recording home runs No. 32 and 33 of the year, Bonds is now the top candidate for the NL MVP award.

LA did not lose much time to get things started in the game's opening frame. Five consecutive singles drove in three runs, and Jose Vizcaino capped a huge first inning with another RBI single. The visitors showed no mercy for Chicago's starter and fellow veteran Woody Williams, who surrendered six runs on ten hits over four innings. LA's southpaw Kenny Rogers had a much better outing, throwing seven strong innings on the mound for his tenth win of the year.

The Cubs managed to score two runs in the third and eighth inning, but the Dodgers always kept them in check by putting up runs on the board as well. Additionally to Bonds' pair of long balls, Craig Biggio also went deep. The second baseman's two-run shot in the sixth was his 17th of the season. "A couple of weeks ago, I struggled quite a lot", Biggio said after the game. "But now I've regained a lot of strength and confidence. I'm feeling great at the moment, and so does the entire team."

Boxscore: LAD 10 – CHC 4

[ro290190]

great dynasty:) is bonds winning the triple crown with those numbers it looks lik he could be

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Well, Barry is leading the NL in home runs (33, tied for 1st with Colorado's Chipper Jones) and RBIs (109), but Cincinnati's Todd Helton is batting .356 at the moment. If Bonds, who is batting .339, has a good month of September, he might win the Triple Crown.

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Game 132: Dodgers (80-51) @ Cubs (73-58)

Conine's Clutch Hit Lifts LA Over Chicago

Left: Jeff Conine comes through with a two-out RBI single in the ninth; Right: Trevor Hoffman got his 39th save.

A clutch performance by LA's pinch hitter Jeff Conine proved to be the difference in his team's 4-3 win over the Cubs. In the top of the ninth inning, he came into the game for right fielder Larry Walker, who had been 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on the night. With the go-ahead run on third base and two outs, Conine delivered a base hit on a 1-2 pitch by Chicago's Steve Kline. "Well, they don't call me 'the Barbarian' for nothing", the outfielder was all smiles at the press conference.

In the beginning, the duel between the two teams was truly a game of sacrifices as the first three runs of the game all came on sac flies. Down by one run, the Dodgers scored twice in the seventh inning to take the lead. First, starting pitcher Steve Sparks brought home Vinny Castilla from second base with a single. In the next at-bat, Kenny Lofton recorded his second RBI of the night by driving in the go-ahead run on a single. However, the Cubs tied the game in the bottom of the inning when pinch hitter Juan Rivera hit an RBI double off Sparks.

The eighth inning went by without further scoring, so the stage was all set for a dramatic showdown in the ninth. "The enormous experience all my players have got is a big advantage in situations like these", GM Jim Tracy later commented on Conine's game-winning hit. Ultimately, Trevor Hoffman came to the mound in the bottom of the inning. The closer managed to get two quick outs, but then walked Johnny Estrada and gave up a single to Alexis Rios. Luckily for the visitors, Raul Ibanez finally flied out to end the game.

Boxscore: LAD 4 – CHC 3

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Game 133: Dodgers (81-51) @ Cubs (73-59)

Viz-ard Vizquel Stuns Wrigley Field

Left: SS Omar Vizquel goes deep in the eighth inning; Right: C Benito Santiago is hit by RP Steve Kline's pitch.

A two-run blast by Omar Vizquel not only propelled the Dodgers to a late 3-0 over the Cubs, but also completed his team's seventh sweep of 2005. With one runner on base, Vizquel broke a scoreless tie in the eighth inning by taking Chicago's starter Kip Wells deep. The home run was the shortstop's twelfth of the year. "It's not so much how many long balls you hit during a season, but rather when you do so", Vizquel commented on his clutch hit.

Prior to the home run, the Cubs seemed to be the most likely team to score first. Despite allowing eight hits over 6 1/3 innings, LA's starting pitcher Terry Mulholland managed to keep the opposing side off the board. Offensively, the Dodgers could not get too much going on a sunny day at Wrigley Field. Wells dominated the visitors, striking out seven batters over eight innings. Still, he was helpless when Vizquel turned up the heat in the eighth.

Vinny Castilla added another run for LA in the ninth inning with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly. "Although I would have preferred to hit a homer, I'm glad I drove in at least one run", the third baseman told reporters after the game. "Well, maybe next time", Castilla added with a smile. Trevor Hoffman earned his 40th save in the bottom of the inning by retiring the side in style. "This sweep will definitely give us a lot of confidence for the upcoming series at Coors Field", the closer commented on the win.

Boxscore: LAD 3 – CHC 0

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Game 134: Dodgers (82-51) @ Rockies (77-56)

Dodgers Blanked By Remarkable Rockies

Left: Colorado's Jeff Suppan pitched a gem against LA; Right: Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds discuss the loss.

The Mile High City remains a bad place for LA's Golden Boys. Even though ace Roger Clemens went the distance against the Rockies, the Californians were blanked by a strong team from Colorado. Luis Gonzalez got things started early for the home team by connecting for a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. The long ball came on an inside fastball, which Gonzo absolutely crushed. Down by two runs that early in the game, the Dodgers struggled mightily for the remainder of the night.

Colorado's starter Jeff Suppan pitched a gem, only surrendering six hits over as many innings on the mound. In the end, Suppan recorded his ninth win of the season, while Clemens had to accept his sixth defeat. In the seventh inning, Henry Blanco's also homered off LA's starter, raising Clemens' home run total to 24 (!). "I really don't know what's wrong", the future Hall of Famer admitted at the press conference. "On the one hand, I'm pitching really well, but on the other hand, I'm giving up way to many long balls."

The only Dodger who seemed to be not too much affected by the loss was GM Jim Tracy. "We got the oldest team in the history of baseball", Tracy pointed out. "So, it's only natural that these guys are getting a bit tired this late in the season. Plus, one shouldn't forget that the air up here in Denver is very thin, and that's not the best for old people." Finally, Tracy promised his team would play better the next day. "See, that's the good thing about veteran players, they always got something up their sleeve!"

Boxscore: LAD 0 – COL 3

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Game 135: Dodgers (82-52) @ Rockies (78-56)

Shifty Schilling Shines, Burba Blows

Left: Curt Schilling cruises into third with a two-run triple; Right: Barry Bonds hammers his 34th homer of 2005.

After losing the series opener at Coors Field, the Dodgers also dropped the second game against the Rockies. Starting pitcher Dave Burba, who had come into LA's rotation for the injured Shane Reynolds, could not get much going as he gave up four runs over 3 2/3 innings on the mound. His opponent, Colorado's Curt Schilling, was flawless until late in the game. Schilling pitched more than seven strong innings, allowing only three runs on nine hits for his tenth win of the year.

Henry Blanco opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning on a sacrifice fly. Two innings later, Jason Conti delivered a two-out RBI single, making it 2-0 for the hosts. However, the inning was far from being over because Schilling connected for his second career triple, driving in two more runs for the Rockies. "When the opposing starter is hitting a triple off you, it's time for the shower", LA's manager Jim Tracy justified Burba's substitution, following Schilling's big hit.

In the sixth inning, Blanco added to Colorado's lead with another sac fly. Down by five runs, the Dodgers finally got on the board in the seventh when Jose Vizcaino doubled in Frank Thomas from second base. Barry Bonds smacked his 34th home run of the season in the eighth, but that was it for the visiting team. Closer Julian Tavarez entered the mound in the ninth, easily retiring the side for save No. 31 of the year. The Rockies are now just three games behind the Dodgers, who are still leading the NL West.

Boxscore: LAD 3 – COL 5

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Game 136: Dodgers (82-53) @ Rockies (79-56)

One Long Ball Enough For Dodgers

Left: B. Santiago hit his eighth home run of 2005; Right: Starter K. Rogers pitched a complete game for the win.

A superb outing by starting pitcher Kenny Rogers and a two-run home run by catcher Benito Santiago were the keys to victory in LA's narrow 2-1 win over the Rockies in the series finale. Rogers pitched his fourth complete game of the year, earning his eleventh win by keeping the opposing side to just one run on eight hits. "Today's game was one of my best this season", the lefty stated at the press conference. "I really had perfect control over my pitches, and it showed."

In the fourth inning, the Dodgers took the lead for the first time in the series. With Frank Thomas on first base and one out, Santiago launched a rocket into the center field stands. It was his eighth long ball of the year, but arguably his most important. "We were facing a bitter sweep here at Denver, so I'm very glad I hit that home run", Santiago later said. The Dodgers were given a big chance to add to their lead in the seventh when they had loaded the bases, but Thomas struck out to end the inning.

Colorado's pinch hitter Todd Greene started the bottom of the eighth inning with a solo home run. Later that inning, Rogers found himself in a difficult situation with runners on first and third and only one out. He managed to get out of the jam, though, as Luis Gonzalez and Austin Kearns could not take advantage of the opportunity. The Rockies also got the tying run on base in the ninth, but Aaron Miles finally flied out to end the game.

Boxscore: LAD 2 – COL 1

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Game 137: Giants (61-74) @ Dodgers (83-53)

Powerful Pettitte Punishes Poor Plues

Left: A. Pettitte empties the bases with a two-out double; Right: V. Castilla rounds the bases after going deep.

Starting pitcher Andy Pettitte was the hero in SF's 5-3 win over the Dodgers. The southpaw pitched seven solid innings, giving up just three runs on seven hits. Even more impressive was Pettitte's offensive production. In the sixth inning, with the score being tied at 1-1, the 33-year-old stepped to the plate with runners on every base and two outs. Pettitte silenced the crowd at Dodger Stadium by hitting a double of LA's starter Steve Sparks, thus emptying the bases.

Following Pettitte's big huge at-bat, Shea Hillenbrand also doubled in the sixth inning, driving in the pitcher from second base. The Dodgers reacted by replacing Sparks with reliever Mike Jackson. "It was only a matter of time until my streak was gonna end", Sparks later commented on his fourth loss of the year, his first in over three months. "I really had a tremendous run, but all good things must come to an end. Anyway, next week I'll get a chance to make up for this defeat."

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Vinny Castilla hit a two-run home run, thus giving his team a spark of hope. Trailing by two runs, the Dodgers had multiple opportunities to score over the next three innings. Still, the home team could not strike again mainly because of poor baserunning. Giants closer Jay Powell came to the mound in the ninth, going for his 36th save of the season. Once again, LA had runners on base, but SF finally managed to retire the side for the win.

Boxscore: SF 5 – LAD 3

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Game 138: Giants (62-74) @ Dodgers (83-54)

Giants Reduced To Dwarfs At Dodger Stadium

Left: LA's starter Terry Mulholland winds up for the pitch; Right: Catcher Greg Myers homers in the third inning.

One day after dropping the series opener against the Giants, the Dodgers got their revenge by beating the arch-rival, 10-1. It was one of those days when everything worked out for the hosts. Starter Terry Mulholland was dominant on the mound, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Despite only recording a single strikeout over seven innings, Mulholland did not give the opposing side much to hit. "Baseball isn't always about fanning a lot of batters", the lefty commented on his eighth win of 2005.

Besides solid pitching, LA also performed at the plate. Kenny Lofton scored the game's opening run in the bottom of the first inning on Larry Walker's RBI single. One inning later, Lofton added to the lead with a sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the third, Greg Myers connected for a three-run shot off Tony Armas Jr., who started on the mound for the visitors. Myers' 17th long ball of the season ended a 19-game drought for the hard-hitting catcher. In the next at-bat, Vinny Castilla also homered off Armas to make it 6-0 for the Dodgers.

The Giants went to their bullpen after three innings, bringing relief pitcher Jon Ludlum to the mound. However, things did not change as the Dodgers scored four more runs in the fourth. Walker hit his second RBI single of the game, and Frank Thomas went deep for another three-run blast. Up by ten runs, the Dodgers shifted down a gear, allowing the Giants to score a run in the seventh. The only bad news for LA came in the fifth inning when Walker suffered a minor injury while robbing a home run from SF's Josh Bard.

Boxscore: SF 1 – LAD 10

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Update:

Against the Giants, outfielder Larry Walker suffered a strained lower back, which is forcing him to take a short break. He'll be unable to play for a whole week, but doesn't need to be placed on the DL.

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Game 139: Giants (62-75) @ Dodgers (84-54)

LA Remains Victorious In Rubber Match

Left: LF Barry Bonds hammers one out of the park; Right: SP Roger Clemens earned his 16th win of the season.

In the rubber match of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, the home team defeated the visitors from SF, 5-2. Starting pitcher Roger Clemens went eight innings for his 16th win of the year. The ace only gave up a single run, while striking out four batters. Despite his magnificent numbers (16 wins, 2.87 ERA, 131 SO), Clemens is not the No. 1 candidate for the NL Cy Young Award, as Victor Zambrano of the Cardinals tops him in every major category (18 wins. 2.05 ERA, 146 SO).

In the fourth inning, the Dodgers opened the scoring with five consecutive two-out singles that drove in four runs. Jose Vizcaino, Kenny Lofton, Craig Biggio, and even Clemens collected RBI hits during that frame. The Giants got on the board in the fifth when Edgardo Alfonzo's single scored Craig Counsell from second base. LA's slugger Barry Bonds replied by going deep in the bottom of the inning, making it 5-1 for the hosts. It was Bonds' 35th home run of the season.

Relief pitcher John Franco entered the game in the ninth inning, coming to the mound for an exhausted Clemens. "At first, I wanted to pitch a complete game", the Rocket stated at the press conference. "But then I realized that it would've been a stupid decision, given the degree of my fatigue. With the playoffs already in sight, the last thing I want is an unnecessary injury." In the end, the Giants scored another run on pinch hitter Carlos Febles' double, but could not avoid the loss.

Boxscore: SF 2 – LAD 5

[NYY_rich]

You know, Roger doesn't look half-bad in that Brooklyn throwback! Bonds just looks bad... sorry

Otherwise, your dynasty is awesome! I will continue to have great interest in it.