LA Dodgers beat the best record in baseball Chicago Cubs in LA (6/08)

The Dodgers took on the Cubs (who have the best record in baseball) on Friday  June 6th at Dodger Stadium after a close defeat the night before and needed a  strong pitching effort.  They received one from Hiroki Kuroda, who pitched a  complete game en route to a 3-0 victory.  That gave the bullpen some much-needed  rest and it stopped a losing streak vs. Chicago who swept LA in late May in the  Windy City.   Jeff Kent doubled in the first run in the opening inning but his  day was short lived as he got ejected for arguing a strikeout in the 5th inning.   Rookie Catcher Danny Ardoin drove in the other two runs with a ground out and  suicide squeeze as Russell Martin had the night off.  This was a quick game and  the Cubs offense had no chance. Kuroda pictured below by himself and with Ardoin.	 
 

     While star shortstop Rafael Furcal is still disabled, the Dodgers traded  for 2003 rookie of the year Angel Berroa to fill in.  The Dodgers are currently  in second place and still in the thick of things. If they can get better pitching  from Penny and Lowe,  they will make a run at first place. Kuroda has a 3.49 ERA despite is 3-5 record and he had a career high 11 strikeouts and zero walks in this game.  Chad Billingsley and prized rookie Clayton Kershaw  round out the rotation.  The hitting can improve as well and if the team can get  a bit healthier with Furcal, Garciaparra and Andruw Jones, thatwould be a big  help.  Joe Torre is doing a fine job in his first year and the National League  West is up for grabs.  More info, schedule and tickets at www.ladodgers.com or www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com