Dodgers get blown out by the Mets but their play of late moves them up in the standings (5/08)
This was one game to forget for the LA Dodgers and especially Brad Penny. The team’s best starter had his worst outing ever giving up 10 earned runs in rout to a 12-1 loss to the NY Mets at Dodger Stadium on May 7th. The Mets jumped on Penny early and often and it was many of the non-stars that did the damage. After LA won the first 2 games of the series, the Mets salvaged the final getaway afternoon game spoiling James Loney’s birthday. Met’s starter Jon Maine (pictured below) was very sharp and had plenty of support for an easy victory and took a 2 hitter into the ninth and fell 2 outs shy of a complete game.
As Vin Scully would say, it is more relaxing to have dinner after losing a 12-1 game then losing a one run game in the ninth inning. The Mets have been struggling this year and all of their key players have had average years so far. They had high expectations after signing the biggest free agent in #1 starting pitcher Johan Santana before the season. Carlos Beltran has been injured a bit but is back now. He is pictured below as David Wright is hitting. They also need Jose Reyes (pictured below) to get the team going.
The Dodgers have been playing some great baseball as of late climbing into second place behind Arizona. Next up are the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium for a weekend series. The team remains confident with Russell Martin, Loney, Jeff Kent and Rafael Furcal and rookie Blake DeWitt playing great ball. Furcal had to miss this game due to a back injury and is day to day or he may be put on the retroactive DL. If they can get better output from their 4 man rotating outfield and the pitching improves, they will be in the thick of the fight. More info, schedule and tickets at www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com