Dodgers vs. Phillies (August 22)

For better or worse...I'm taking this blog to a new level.

Yes...I'm going to blog live...this evening's Dodgers/Phillies game that showcases Greg Maddux's first start with the Dodgers. Consider it Greg Maddux Redux.

The pitching match-up is Maddux (6-9) vs. Kyle Kendrick (10-7).

Top of the first:

One can't go wrong with either team's announcers...with this particular game I'm getting (via mlb.com's setup) the legendary Harry Kalas as opposed to the Dodger's equally legendary announcer, Vin Scully. It's all good.

--Mett Kemp strikes out.
--Wow...Andre Either just hit an opposite field home run! I like that guy...he was just a rookie when Maddux was there two years ago and I think Either's on his way to a promising career.
--Jeff Kent pops out.
--Man-ram walks.
--poop...Loney lines out to the right fielder.

(Jenny just infomred me that I'm idiot for doing this...I really can't argue with that)

Bottom of the first:

--Rollins flies out.
--Utley flies out.
--Burrel pops out.

After one...1-0 Dodgers.

Top of the Second:

The Dodgers have an interesting team. They seemingly have no one (at least everyday) player in their prime (age 27-34). Kemp's 24, Loney's 24, Martin's 25 and Either's 26. And then on the other hand...Kent's 40, Normar's 35, Manny's 36, Lowe's 35 and Maddux is 42 years old. The players that are in their primes are either hurt (Furcal--31) or stink (Pierre--31) or really stink (Andruw Jones--31). It's just an enteresting mix and something I found intriguing.

--Martin K's.
--Nomar grounds out.
--Blake just takes one of the melon. Thankfully it was a breaking pitch.
--Wild pitch moves Blake to second. Maybe Maddux will bat him in.
--Nope. Maddux fans.

Bottom of the Second:


--Howard grounds out.
--Victorino strikes out.
--Dobbs flies out to left field.

End of two...1-0, Dodgers.

Top of the Third:

--Kemp grounds out.
--Either grounds out.
--"porn star" Jeff Kent swings at the first pitch and pops out to the shortstop

Bottom of the Third:

--Maddux's personal nemesis, Geoff Jenkins, reaches on an infield hit.
-- 5-4-3...double play.
--Kendrick called out on strikes.

End of Three...1-0, Dodgers.

Top of the Fourth:

--Manny rolls out to the shortstop.
--Loney doubles to left center.
--Martin lines out to the right fielder.
--Nomar grounds out.

One runner stranded in scoring position.

Bottom of the Fourth:

--Rollins bounces out to first.
--Utley strikes out looking.
--Burrell works a two out walk.
--Shit...Howard...two run bomb. He crushed it...and it was an opposite field shot.
--Victorino flies out.

End of four...Phillies now lead 2-1.

Top of the Fifth:

--Blake pops out.
--Maddux lines out to third.
--Kemp flies out to center.

Bottom of the Fifth:

--Dobbs lays down a perfect bunt down the third base line.
Dobbs takes second on Martin's error (attempted pick off at first base)
--Werth singles to right field
--Coste...RBI single
--Kendrick sacrifices...runners on second and third.

It's starting to fall apart for Maddux. He looked great through the first four innings but now it's not looking good.

--Rollins pops out to shallow left. Runner holds.
--Wow...Utley strikes out looking. I was holding my breath there. Maddux escapes with only giving one run in an inning where it looked like the Phillies were going to pour it on.

End of Five...Phillies lead 3-1.

Top of the Sixth:

I'm saying it now...Let's Get Some Runs.

--Ethier flies out to the warning track.
--Kent lines out to third.
--Manny draws a base on balls.
--Loney singles to right.

Pitching change. Chad Durbin's now on the hill.

--Crap....Martin flies out to right field.

Jeez...I didn't think Maddux was still on the Padres. The Dodgers offense has not looked very hot.

Bottom of the Sixth:

--Burrell singles to left. Dammit...I hate when the lead off man gets on base.
--Howard flies out to the warning track. Whew.
--Victorino singles to right.
--Dobbs singles to center.

Bases loaded. One out.

--Werth...sacrifice fly. Now it's 4-1.
--F#ck...Coste hits a three run homer. Who the hell is Chris Coste. Aaaggggg.

I'm aborting this venture.