Dodgers beat Cubs on One Hitter by Wolf & Broxton (8/09)
8/21/09: The Los Angeles Dodgers squared off with their long-time National league rival Chicago Cubs on Friday evening in the second game of a 4-game series. The Blue Crew came out on top, handing the Cubbies and their faithful a disheartening 2-1 loss.
The Cubs, thought by many at the beginning of the year to be one of the favorites not only to return to the post season, but perhaps to represent the National league in the 2009 World Series. Injuries to a few key players, coupled with the slumping performance of perennial All-star outfielder Alfonso Soriano, have curtailed those lofty expectations and have the beleaguered squad scrambling for a playoff spot. And since they appear to have no legitimate chance of securing a wildcard birth, it would seem the Cubs will have to reel in the impressive St. Louis Cardinals in order to have any chance at redeeming themselves from last year’s post-season embarrassment at the hands of the Dodgers.
Friday night’s game featured a solid pitching match-up: Savvy veteran Randy Wolf for the home team against impressive rookie Randy Wells, in search of his 10th victory of the year. Wolf, who has consistently demonstrated that he possesses offensive skills to complement his pitching prowess, proved to be the Dodgers’ lone source of production. The Dodger starter laced a double to the gap in right centerfield that drove in the team’s only two runs of the game. And Wolf’s pitching dominance would make those runs stand up, as he and his bullpen mates combined to allow the Cubs only one hit.
The Cubs’ lone hit, and run, came on a two-out single by shortstop Ryan Theriot in the third inning. Other than that, they were stifled by Wolf in front of a spirited hometown crowd of 51,579. Wolf secured his 8th victory in the process, while closer Jonathon Broxton earned his 27th save. The loss dropped the ailing Cubbies 7 games behind the Cardinals. The Dodgers team chemistry has gelled with Manny, Ethier and Kemp providing great offense and key players such as Blake, Loney, Hudson, Martin and others coming up big. I met up with Dodgers Clubhouse Manager Mitch Poole after the game in the locker room and he told me the team chemistry is outstanding and about the best he has seen in his 20 yrs with the team. While Manny was bombarded with the media, I talked to some of the team’s heros this season including Ethier and Kemp who each told me this team is playing well, has a lot of talent and is well managed. Ethier also said, "this team has a knack coming from behind and we never give up. We have won some big games this year when many people thought we were out of the game." Kemp added "We have had a great season and want to keep it going to the playoffs. We can beat any of these teams and we seem to be gelling at the right time. We are pretty healthy and have added some key players down the stretch."
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